Shedeur Sanders emerges as Browns gamble while Watson money limits options

Aman Sharma

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Shedeur Sanders emerges as Browns gamble while Watson money limits options image

Cleveland’s quarterback search is wide-ranging, but the most realistic path points inward rather than toward a veteran trade. Despite outside buzz linking the Browns to Mac Jones, league insiders indicate Cleveland is unlikely to spend draft capital to acquire him.

Jones, who went 5-3 filling in for Brock Purdy with San Francisco and posted 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions, would require a trade with one year left on his contract. That option currently sits behind a quieter plan built around Shedeur Sanders and patience.

Sanders closed his rookie year as the Browns’ starter, appearing in the final seven games and flashing upside alongside uneven results. He totaled 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions during that stretch.

Cleveland has not committed to him as its long-term answer, but internally, he represents the cleanest option while the franchise waits for financial flexibility.

The larger constraint is Deshaun Watson’s contract. Watson is expected to be cleared after Achilles surgeries, yet his fully guaranteed $230 million deal sharply limits roster maneuvering.

Keeping him for another season carries an estimated 2026 cap figure near $40 million, far less damaging than absorbing a release cost roughly twice that size. As a result, Cleveland’s quarterback room is likely to stay crowded rather than dramatic.

Browns balancing development with financial reality

General manager Andrew Berry acknowledged Sanders’ progress while avoiding promises.

“I think we saw a lot of progress with Shedeur this year. I think that’s both mentally, physically, playing the position,” Berry said. “He’s still very much a work in progress like many rookie quarterbacks are.”

Berry added that the organization will still evaluate the market and involve the incoming head coach in determining the 2026 starter.

Watson’s presence complicates every decision. Since arriving in 2022, he has gone 9-10 as a starter with 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, missing the entire season while rehabbing.

According to The Athletic’s Zac Jackson, Cleveland is more likely to restructure Watson than absorb a massive dead-cap hit, setting up a competition that includes Sanders and possibly another mid-round addition.

Sanders appears aware of the uphill climb. After a 5-12 finish, he described his rookie year as preparation for what comes next. “I feel like this is a learning year for me… moving forward, I’ll be prepared,” Sanders said.

With Kevin Stefanski dismissed and a new coach looming, Sanders’ future hinges less on splashy moves and more on whether Cleveland finally commits to development amid financial restraint.

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