Overview
- Coaches kept the quarterback competition open after mandatory minicamp because Shedeur Sanders showed measurable gains in footwork, processing and decisiveness during spring practices.
- Deshaun Watson retains an early edge based on experience and a fully guaranteed contract but multiple outlets say Sanders has 'bridged the gap' enough to force an extended battle.
- Deion Sanders publicly defended his son by calling Shedeur’s rookie struggles 'a team thing' and stressing that a quarterback needs help from the offensive line, receivers, running game and coordinators.
- Shedeur’s uneven 2025 rookie line — about 1,400 passing yards, seven TDs, 10 INTs, 56.6% completion and 23 sacks in seven starts — underpins skepticism even as the front office has added offensive pieces to improve his support.
- The Browns traded Myles Garrett to acquire draft capital that preserves options for 2027, so how the QB competition finishes will shape short‑term playing time and long‑term plans for a franchise quarterback.