Browns to decide QB1 from Watson-Sanders preseason tape

A joint practice also factors into Cleveland's call

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Aug 231 min read

.@JFowlerESPN on how the Browns will decide if Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders will be named QB1 🏈 https://t.co/NHyyrW Via @SportsCenter on X

What happened: Jeremy Fowler said Cleveland would evaluate both quarterbacks over an eight-day stretch spanning two preseason games. The Browns wanted to test Watson's mobility and decision-making while giving Sanders his own game reps.

Why it matters: The decision will settle a quarterback race that followed Cleveland into preseason Week 1 and determine who leads the offense into the season. It also tests whether the Browns can recover value from Watson's $230 million contract.

By the numbers: Camp tracking credited Watson with 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions on 287 attempts, rates of 6.6% and 3.1%. Sanders posted 13 touchdowns and four interceptions on 268 attempts, rates of 4.9% and 1.5%.

What to watch: Watch for Cleveland's QB1 announcement and how first-team repetitions are divided before the season opener.

Sources

@SportsCenter 2026-08-23T15:44:19.777763+00:00

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