The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for one of the most intriguing quarterback competitions in the NFL this summer, with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders battling for the starting job. But as speculation swirls about what might happen if Sanders doesn't win the role, legendary Browns tackle Joe Thomas is firing back at those who suggest a quick trade.
Appearing on 92.3 The Fan, Thomas made it clear that the notion of moving Sanders after just one season is not just premature—it's flat-out foolish. He called the young quarterback a “development project” who needs patience and reps, not a one-way ticket out of town.
“Shedeur was forced into action in the middle of last year before he was ready,” Thomas said. “He had some high moments and some low moments, as you’d expect from any quarterback. He’s a development project. He’s got a lot of work to do. He needs time to develop. If you’re just gonna throw him away for a fourth-rounder, it makes no sense because we have no idea what he can be as our starting quarterback. Keep him around, and it’s more likely than not that he’ll have an opportunity to start, and then win that starting job for the long term if you keep him on the roster.”
Thomas’s comments come as the Browns prepare for training camp, where Watson and Sanders will continue to split first-team reps after a competitive offseason. Head coach Todd Monken has yet to name a starter, keeping the race wide open after OTAs and minicamp.
Watson brings a veteran resume to the table, having completed 66.2% of his passes for 17,904 yards, 123 touchdowns, and 48 interceptions in his career. Sanders, meanwhile, is looking to build on a rookie season that featured 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in an up-and-down campaign. During open team drills this spring, Watson posted stronger numbers—90-of-133 for 13 touchdowns and three interceptions—compared to Sanders’s 79-of-113 with five touchdowns and three interceptions.
But the gap isn't as wide as the stat sheet suggests. Coaches and observers have praised Sanders for his improved command of the offense, sharper decision-making, and better pre-snap recognition. That progress has kept the competition tighter than many expected, making this one of the most closely watched quarterback battles in the league.
With training camp and preseason games still ahead, neither quarterback has separated himself decisively. The Browns are expected to use every snap to determine who will lead the offense come Week 1. And as Johnny Manziel's complicated legacy in Cleveland shows, the franchise knows all too well the risks of rushing a young quarterback out the door.
For now, Thomas’s message is clear: give Sanders time, and the payoff could be huge. Trading him away for a mid-round pick would be a mistake the Browns can't afford to make.
