A couple of weeks ago, it seemed that Deshaun Watson was set to run away with the Cleveland Browns‘ QB1 job.
However, it seems that momentum has shifted in Shedeur Sanders‘ favor, with the former fifth-round pick making big strides after rookie minicamp.
According to NFL insider Cameron Wolfe, the competition is still wide open, with head coach Todd Monken not close to making a decision yet.
Even so, Sanders’ significant progress in the latest workouts might make that an easy decision for the first-year head coach.
Shedeur Sanders has “aura,” says insider
“It’s actually pretty wide open, I know there were a lot of early conversations about this is Deshaun Watson’s job to lose, but from what I understand, Shedeur Sanders has had a really strong last few weeks of OTAs. I’ve talked to people with the Browns who have said that Shedeur’s really impressed them, he is progressing really well,” Wolfe said.
Notably, it’s not all about his improvement on the field. Per Wolfe, Sanders just brings a different feeling to the table, and it’s impossible not to notice it.
“Talking to people there who really have an impact on this decision, they have seen him grow in his processing. And I also have heard there’s something about him — ‘aura’ is a good word is what I was told there. So, look, do not count out Shedeur Sanders in this race,” he added.
Sanders isn’t a perfect quarterback by any means, but he might be the Browns’ best choice right now.
Watson will be a free agent after this season, and it’s highly unlikely that he’ll be back after this year.
As such, there’s no upside in playing him. The Browns likely won’t be a Super Bowl contender, regardless of who’s under center.
Rolling with Sanders would at least give them an opportunity to know whether he can be their franchise quarterback.
And if things don’t work out, they’ll likely have a high draft pick to get his replacement, so this is the ultimate win-win situation in Berea.