An analyst lets Shedeur Sanders know what his future holds after losing his starting spot to Deshaun Watson
The Browns chose Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders, but one ESPN analyst believes Cleveland’s biggest quarterback problem is still far from solved.
D eshaun Watson won the battle for the Cleveland Browns ’ starting quarterback job, but the decision to put him in charge of the offense for Week 1 continues to raise questions both inside and outside the organization. Choosing Watson over rookie Shedeur Sanders sparked a strong reaction from fans, many of whom expected the young quarterback to become the new face of the franchise.
Despite Watson’s recent struggles and criticism surrounding his performance, the Browns remain convinced that he currently gives them the best chance to compete. However, according to ESPN analyst Field Yates , the decision could reveal a deeper reality: Cleveland may still not have found its quarterback of the future.
“Today was yet another, to me, message from the Cleveland Browns that the QB of their future is not on the roster right now. They have two first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft; that’s probably when they will acquire their quarterback of the future,” Yates said.
The analyst also addressed the expectations surrounding Sanders and explained that if the organization truly viewed him as its long-term solution, it would have committed to him from the start.
“I know Shedeur Sanders fans are a passionate bunch and probably feel he is or can be the answer for Cleveland. If the Browns felt that way, he’d be starting from the very beginning of the season because if you believe enough in a player to be your QB1 of the future, you’re going to believe enough in that player to start Week 1,” Yates added.
Cleveland’s decision came as a surprise because Sanders had earned significant support from fans after an impressive preseason. Still, the coaching staff determined that the rookie was not yet ready to take control of the offense.
However, the situation could change during the season. If Watson fails to meet expectations, the Browns could turn to Sanders and accelerate his development.
The biggest challenge for Cleveland is that any move involving Watson would be complicated. Releasing him would create a massive salary cap hit, while finding a team willing to take on his contract appears nearly impossible.
For now, the Browns are giving Watson one more opportunity to prove himself. The franchise hopes the veteran quarterback can rediscover his previous form and show that the controversial decision to keep him as the starter was the right one.
