ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky has publicly challenged the Cleveland Browns' expected plan to name Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback for the 2026 season. Orlovsky, appearing on the program "Get Up," argued that the team should instead look toward rookie Shedeur Sanders to lead the offense.
"Starting anybody but Shedeur Sanders is dumb," Orlovsky stated. He emphasized that the franchise needs to evaluate Sanders' potential, noting that the team invested two first-round picks in the young player. Orlovsky pointed to Watson’s recent history, highlighting that the veteran has played only 19 games over the past six years and has dealt with significant medical issues, including surgery on his throwing shoulder and an Achilles injury.
The Browns selected Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft. During his rookie campaign, Sanders participated in eight games, including seven starts, where he completed 120 of 212 pass attempts for a 56.6% completion rate. He recorded 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, leading the team to three of their five victories last season. Despite these figures, Watson—who signed a five-year, $230 million contract with the Browns in March 2022—is currently expected to secure the starting role due to his greater professional experience.
Watson has not played for the team since he ruptured his right Achilles tendon during Week 7 of the 2024 season, an injury that forced him to miss the entire 2025 season. As the Browns look toward the playoffs, Watson is expected to play a major role, provided he remains healthy. The team has scheduled three preseason games ahead of the 2026 regular season: an away game against the Chicago Bears on August 15, followed by home games against the Buffalo Bills on August 22 and the New England Patriots on August 27.
Related Articles
