New Rumors on Shedeur Sanders-Deshaun Watson QB1 Battle and Browns' Full Plan for NFL Preseason

As Deshaun Watson prepares to start the first preseason game for the Cleveland Browns against the Chicago Bears on Saturday, the race to be their No. 1 quarterback when the regular season begins remains close.

Appearing on SportsCenter, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler explained the Browns coaching staff will use the next eight days covering two preseason games to evaluate Watson and Shedeur Sanders as they figure out who will be the starter:

"You've got about eight days for this battle to crystalize because you've got two preseason games and a joint practice next week with the Buffalo Bills. So, the Browns want to see Watson not only operate from the pocket, but they want to see his athleticism. They feel like he's been close to what he used to be moving around, mobility, inside and outside the pocket throwing the ball. So, they feel good about where he's at there. They want to see that on display. Had some early interceptions in camp. He has curbed that issue a little bit. So, they want to see the decision making. A lot of people around the league believe that Watson has a prime chance here to get that job back. They made a $230 million investment four years ago. Perhaps they can get something on it here in the end. But certainly both quarterbacks are going to go at it in the next week."

Fowler added Watson is "probably slightly" ahead of Sanders in the competition at this point:

"Probably slightly Deshaun. It's gone back and forth. So, my understanding was early in the Spring, Watson was the clear favorite. Shedeur Sanders made a run at it, closed the gap a little bit. And they've been going back and forth. Watson has gotten some more first-team reps of late. He gets the first crack at it, so let's see if he can stamp it."

Browns head coach Todd Monken initially planned to have Watson and Sanders alternate days in which they worked with the first-team offense in camp, but that did change last weekend when Watson got reps with the starting offense on back-to-back days.

That is the only time thus far that has happened, as Sanders has continued to get regular work with the first-team offense this week.

Even though Watson is getting the starting nod against the Bears, Monken said on Wednesday this is part of their plan to evaluate both quarterbacks and Sanders is slated to start against the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 22.

One thing that stood out from Watson's play, particularly early in camp, was the high volume of turnovers. Some tracking from practice has him with nine interceptions on 287 attempts through Wednesday.

Sanders was credited with throwing four picks on 268 attempts. Watson had the advantage in touchdown passes (19-13).

Monken has said his plan against the Bears is to have the starters play the first series, though he added the coaching staff wants to evaluate the quarterbacks "irrespective of who else is in the game" to indicate Watson could get additional run.

Watson could also use the reps as he looks to get back in the swing of things. Saturday will mark his first appearance in a game since Oct. 20, 2024, when he tore his Achilles against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Sanders started the final seven games of the 2025 season for the Browns. He threw for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions in eight appearances as a rookie.