NFL scout predicts who will win Browns’ QB competition

Multiple reports suggested recently that Deshaun Watson is the favorite to win the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback job over Shedeur Sanders.

During a conversation with Evan Massey of Heavy, one “NFL scout who currently works for an NFC franchise” made it known he disagrees with such assessments. 

Why starting Shedeur Sanders could be the best thing for the Browns

“Personally, I think Shedeur will be given the starting job,” the scout said. “They are going to need to make a decision in the 2027 NFL Draft about whether or not they need to pursue a quarterback. Giving Sanders a full season would be the best way to figure out that answer.”

The 2027 draft class is expected to be filled with multiple top-tier quarterback prospects. While previous reports made it seem as if it’s inevitable that the Browns and Watson will part ways after the upcoming season wraps up, it now appears he could be given a chance to earn a new deal from the club if he defeats Sanders later this summer. 

Of course, that’s a big “if” considering that Watson was arguably the NFL’s worst starting quarterback the last time he was deemed healthy enough to play. He hasn’t made a regular-season appearance since he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in October 2024, as he reinjured his Achilles during his recovery. 

Could Shedeur Sanders be a long-term answer for the Browns?

“Cleveland needs to figure out what it has in Sanders,” the scout added. “They already know what Watson is, and it hasn’t been good. Even if he were to bounce back from the Achilles injury, Watson isn’t a long-term option for the Browns.”

Sanders and Watson are on track to take snaps during Cleveland’s preseason opener at the Chicago Bears on Aug. 15 and when the Browns host the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 22. History shows first-year Browns head coach Todd Monken will probably want to name a QB1 before Cleveland ends its preseason with a matchup versus the New England Patriots on Aug. 27. That said, he hasn’t yet confirmed that the competition will be over when that game kicks off.