Top NFL insider shuts down idea that Browns’ Shedeur Sanders will start in 2026

Top NFL insider shuts down idea that Browns’ Shedeur Sanders will start in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . With all the questions surrounding what the Cleveland Browns are going to do at the quarterback position during the 2026 season, it seems more than likely to most that they're going to give Shedeur Sanders the keys to this offense.

While some Browns fans want that and others don't believe Sanders is the man for the job, it's tough to get a clear sense of what could happen over the next few months. Ultimately, this is a wide-open quarterback race, and Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel all seem to be in a position to possibly win the job. However, according to Ian Rapoport, he believes that Sanders isn't going to win the job and that the Browns will go with Watson as the starter.

“If I had to guess, these are guesses, not reports. My guess is Deshaun Watson,” Rapoport said , per Heavy. “The money is paid already; you had to pay him years ago, and that is paid.

Here’s why, when he is healthy, he’s been for sure good enough to be a starter. There are games when he broke his shoulder, he led his team back on a comeback, and this guy is starting to play well. If healthy, I think he gives them the best chance to win.