Overview
- Local reporters and beat analysts described Deshaun Watson as looking like the team's first-choice quarterback after the Browns’ open OTA work, noting his comfort and command in first-team reps.
- Prediction markets have recently shifted toward Watson, with Kalshi odds moving strongly in his favor as Sanders’ probability to start dropped noticeably.
- Coach Todd Monken has declined to name a starter and said the team will keep rotating quarterbacks and pick the best performer, leaving the decision open through minicamp and training camp.
- Watson is returning from Achilles surgeries and enters the final guaranteed year of a contract that carries an approximately $44.9 million cap hit, a cost that raises urgency for a short-term decision.
- Shedeur Sanders remains in the competition after showing offseason improvement, while Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green occupy backup roles that could influence trade or roster moves depending on who ultimately wins the job.