During a Browns radio segment, a host strongly cautioned against naming a veteran starter. He recalled past moments when he vocally opposed starting certain quarterbacks and said he would not watch if the team rolled out Watson as the Week 1 starter. He even joked about taking up golf for the early weeks of the season if Watson were named the starter, suggesting he expected a rapid change if Watson underperformed or faced injury.
Watson’s recent workouts have drawn renewed attention from Browns fans. This season marks the final year of his $230 million contract, and it could be his last real opportunity to prove himself. Throughout the offseason, Watson has been at the center of discussions about Cleveland’s quarterback duties. Although he appears to be the likely starter in some opinions, lingering red flags persist.
Watson’s last full season was 2020 with the Houston Texans, where he threw for 4,823 passing yards. The Browns signed him based on that high ceiling, but since then he has faced a suspension related to off-field allegations and injuries that limited his playing time. In his first four years with Cleveland, he has appeared in only 19 regular-season games.
After the mandatory minicamp in June, reports surfaced that Watson’s surgically repaired shoulder showed only a slight hint of fatigue. Some observers noted that his arm seemed to taper off slightly during workouts, which could influence team considerations going into training camp.
These developments could create an opening for Sanders, who delivered a solid performance as Cleveland’s quarterback in the previous season. Analysts have weighed in on Sanders’ potential, with some suggesting that while he may not immediately reach peak form, his high ceiling could make it difficult for the Browns to ignore him during the summer evaluation period.
As the team prepares for camp, Monken has reiterated that the quarterback competition remains open and that Watson is continuing to train toward a full return. The actual outcome of the competition remains uncertain and could unfold in various ways once camp practices begin.
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