The temptation is understandable. Shedeur Sanders has energized portions of the Cleveland Browns fan base. He has also flashed intriguing potential whenever he has stepped onto the field. Sanders represents the kind of youthful hope that franchises often rally around during periods of transition. Yet as the Browns dive into training camp, the smartest path forward may not be the most popular one. Before Cleveland officially hands the offense to Sanders, the organization owes it to itself to find out exactly what remains of Deshaun Watson. The Browns have invested too much into Watson to simply bypass the evaluation process now. More importantly, the arrival of Todd Monken and an improved supporting cast creates perhaps the best environment Watson has had since arriving in Cleveland.
Transformative offseason
The Browns made one of the most shocking moves in franchise history by trading away Myles Garrett. That decision signaled a major shift in organizational priorities. Yes, that move generated headlines. That said, Cleveland simultaneously focused on constructing a stronger infrastructure around its offense.
The front office aggressively addressed the offensive line. They added proven veterans Zion Johnson, Elgton Jenkins, and Tytus Howard while investing heavily in Spencer Fano. The goal was to eliminate excuses and create an environment where whichever quarterback wins the job has the necessary protection to succeed.
Unlike previous years, Cleveland now enters 2026 with a revamped lineup specifically designed to support a quarterback-centric offense. That matters because evaluating Watson fairly requires giving him a legitimate chance to operate behind competent protection.
For the first time in his Browns tenure, the surrounding circumstances may finally allow for a clear verdict.
Financial reality
The strongest argument for starting Watson has little to do with sentiment and everything to do with business. The Browns committed a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract to Watson in 2022. It remains one of the most significant financial decisions in NFL history.
Since arriving in Cleveland, Watson’s availability has been limited by suspension and injuries. As a result, the Browns still do not truly know whether Watson can be their quarterback moving forward. That uncertainty is precisely why they cannot simply bench him if he is healthy.
If Watson starts and still struggles, Cleveland finally gets clarity. The franchise can move into 2027 knowing it exhausted every reasonable avenue before moving on. However, if Watson never receives that opportunity, questions will linger. The Browns would be making one of the most important quarterback decisions in franchise history based on incomplete information.
No front office wants to carry that uncertainty into the future.
Todd Monken factor
Just as important as the financial investment is the schematic fit. When Watson emerged as one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks in Houston, he thrived in an offense built around shotgun formations and vertical passing concepts. The fit in Cleveland has often felt less natural.
Monken’s arrival, though, changes the equation. The Browns’ new offensive approach is expected to place greater responsibility on the quarterback before the snap. That aligns much more closely with the style that helped Watson become a star.
This does not guarantee success. Watson still has to prove he can physically and mentally return to that level after years of interruptions. However, if there is a system capable of uncovering whatever remains of the quarterback who once led the NFL in passing yards, Monken’s offense appears uniquely positioned to do so.
The Browns would be making a mistake if they failed to explore that possibility.
Patience benefits Shedeur Sanders
The conversation is of course, also about protecting Sanders. Young quarterbacks often benefit from development that occurs away from the spotlight. Sanders demonstrated encouraging traits when called upon, showcasing poise, accuracy, and a willingness to challenge defenses vertically. Those qualities suggest he has a legitimate future in Cleveland.
Allowing Sanders to continue learning Monken’s offense without carrying the weight of the franchise could prove invaluable. He would gain additional time to refine his mechanics and understand the nuances that separate promising quarterbacks from franchise-caliber starters.
The Browns need certainty
Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
The desire to embrace the future is understandable. However, NFL franchises cannot afford to make quarterback decisions based solely on excitement or projection.
The Browns have spent years trying to determine whether Watson can still be the player they envisioned when they made their franchise-altering investment. With a new offensive system, an upgraded offensive line, and a healthier supporting cast, they finally have the opportunity to find out.
Perhaps Watson proves the injuries and lost time have permanently changed his trajectory. Perhaps he rediscovers enough of his former form to make Cleveland’s quarterback situation far more complicated than many expect. Either way, the Browns need a definite answer.
The temptation is understandable. Shedeur Sanders has energized portions of the Cleveland Browns fan base. He has also flashed intriguing potential whenever he has stepped onto the field. Sanders represents the kind of youthful hope that franchises often rally around during periods of transition.
