The Cleveland Browns are doing their best to keep the quarterback situation in Cleveland grounded. While the narrative around Deshaun Watson has been building all offseason, the team's coaching staff is making it clear that nothing is set in stone for 2026.
Watson, who arrived in Cleveland via a blockbuster trade that has been widely criticized as one of the worst in recent NFL history, is entering the final year of his fully guaranteed $230 million contract. With new head coach Todd Monken at the helm, many assumed Watson would get a clean slate and a clear path to the starting job. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam certainly sounded optimistic earlier this year, saying Watson has "a great chance" to succeed under an offensive-minded coach.
But on Wednesday, offensive coordinator Travis Switzer threw a bucket of ice water on that hype. When asked if Watson is the frontrunner, Switzer didn't mince words. "I don't know that we have somebody who's ahead," he told reporters. "We're pleased with both their progress, and all the guys are doing a nice job."
The Browns have several quarterbacks vying for the job, including Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Switzer emphasized that the entire group is progressing well, with familiarity in the system being a key factor. "I think that both of those guys and really all of our guys are progressing very well," Switzer added. "Very pleased in what we've seen in the growth."
This measured approach is a stark contrast to the outside buzz. Some analysts have already anointed Watson as the starter, pointing to his health and the fresh start under Monken. But the Browns are clearly not ready to hand him the keys just yet. The competition is real, and the coaching staff is determined to evaluate everyone fairly.
Interestingly, this isn't the first time the Browns have tried to downplay expectations. Earlier this year, Monken's QB comments ignited a feud with Shilo Sanders, adding another layer of drama to the quarterback room. The Sanders family has been vocal about Shedeur's potential, and Deion Sanders even demanded a face-to-face with the Browns coach to unlock his son's potential.
Meanwhile, the Browns have been busy off the field as well. They recently sold a 3% stake to private equity firm Arctos, signaling big moves ahead of the NFL vote. And with the addition of former Jaguars GM Trent Baalke as a consultant, the front office is clearly thinking long-term.
But for now, the focus is on the quarterback battle. With Watson's massive contract and checkered history, the Browns have every reason to be cautious. The team's patience may be tested, but for now, they're sticking to the script: no one is ahead, and the competition is open.
Who will ultimately win the job? That remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the Browns are not going to let the hype dictate their decision.
