After an offseason that didn’t see any newcomers to challenge for the top quarterback spot, we’re nine days into Browns training camp and there isn’t a clear lead for it. Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports that there is “Zero apparent separation in the ongoing quarterback battle” between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders.
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Watson or Sanders? Pass
After a season in which the Browns finished ahead of only the Jets in passing yards, they’re staring at a starting QB competition featuring Watson coming off two Achilles tears and Sanders coming off a shaky rookie campaign.
The last time we saw Watson score fantasy points, it wasn’t much. He produced just 12.2 points per game, which ranked well outside the top 24 at the position. His rushing production has also faltered from where it used to be, accounting for under 20% of the team’s rush attempts.
Unfortunately, the upside with Sanders doesn’t appear much brighter. His 9.0 rookie PPG came without any underlying efficiency metrics to buy into heading into his second season. In fact, his 5.1 adjusted yards per attempt was the lowest among all qualified quarterbacks last year.
With no apparent separation heading into Day 10 of training camp, it’s hard to feel good about either option.
