Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson Hyped as 'Elite' by Browns' Jared Verse Ahead of QB1 Battle

Cleveland Browns quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson are set to battle it out during training camp for the starting job this season, and they both received a ringing endorsement from one of their teammates.

During an appearance on Good Morning Football on Wednesday, Browns defensive end Jared Verse said he's looking forward to seeing the competition between Sanders and Watson because he feels they both have what it takes to win the starting QB position.

"These are two great quarterbacks," Verse said. "I'm honestly excited to see how it goes further in the preseason, but so far I've just seen two elite quarterbacks battling it out."

Watson has the edge in experience over Sanders, but he's coming off a lost 2025 season after recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. Sanders ended his rookie year with a Pro Bowl selection as an alternate after playing in eight games with seven starts and throwing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

The Browns are a team in transition after hiring first-time head coach Todd Monken and trading away two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.

While 2026 is likely to be a rebuild year in Cleveland, the team will have to make the right decision between Watson and Sanders before the season starts.