Home/Articles/NFL
NFL·ANALYSIS·June 8, 2026 11:48 PM ET

Shedeur Sanders Gains Momentum in Browns QB Battle as Minicamp Opens

Sanders challenges Watson for QB1 as minicamp opens.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jun 91 min read
Post on X
⌚️⬆️ @ShedeurSanders https://t.co/CjOAl9nTfe Via @Browns on X

What happened: The Cleveland Browns opened mandatory veteran minicamp on Tuesday with an intensifying spotlight on the quarterback competition. Second-year pro Shedeur Sanders has reportedly surged in the race for QB1, taking a majority of first-team repetitions over veteran Deshaun Watson during the final stages of spring practices.

Why it matters: The shift signals a potential 'paradigm shift' for a Browns roster undergoing a youth movement following the offseason trade of Myles Garrett. With Watson entering the final year of his current contract, Sanders' performance this week is viewed as a pivotal step toward securing the franchise's long-term future under center.

By the numbers: Sanders (24) is currently competing against the 30-year-old Watson, who is due $46 million in the final year of his deal. The Browns' commitment to the future was underscored in April when they used the No.

What to watch: Coach Todd Monken will evaluate the tandem through the three-day minicamp ending June 11, with the competition potentially extending into late-July training camp.

Sources

  • @Browns 

More on Shedeur Sanders

CONVERSATION
Loading comments…
NFLAnalysisCleveland BrownsShedeur Sanders
Follow NFL Intelligence
Real-time signals and analysis
@WireReportNFL
WR Pro
The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.
$9/monthFree weekly newsletter →
RELATED STORIES
← Back to Wire Report