Cleveland Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot reports Deshaun Watson has taken the lead in the team’s quarterback competition heading into OTAs.
Watson now holds the inside track to reclaim the starting position from Shedeur Sanders, who took over during last season.
“With my breaking news here that Deshaun Watson has taken the lead over Shedeur Sanders in the Browns QB competition and has the inside track to win it, I think they should declare him QB1 asap and let the 1st team offense start to cook,” Cabot wrote on X. “There’s no time to waste.”
The development marks a shift from earlier projections that favored Sanders retaining the starting role.
Sanders worked his way up from fourth on the depth chart at the season’s start. The son of Deion Sanders eventually earned a Pro Bowl selection after taking over starting duties in Cleveland.
Watson’s return from an Achilles injury has created uncertainty at the quarterback position.
The Browns face a critical decision as they prepare for the upcoming season. Sanders has worked to solidify his position as the permanent starter since leaving Colorado.
If Watson regains starting duties, it could spark trade discussions involving Sanders in Cleveland.
The team’s quarterback situation remains fluid as OTAs approach.
