MONEY TALKS

By Mike Rifkin

According to reports Deshaun Watson has an early lead over Shedeur Sanders in the Browns Quarterback competition. In week seven of the 2024 season, Watson tore his Achilles, and suffered a setback last January. Sanders, last season played in eight games and had a 56.5 completion percentage, 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. 

This offseason the Browns hired former Ravens Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken to be the head coach. But, why this early in the offseason are the Browns talking about who is leading the competition?  It’ll be almost two years since Watson has taken a snap, and Shedeur showed some signs last season. Well, there is one answer, Watson is due to make 46 million dollars and it’s fully guaranteed. After the season, the Browns could void the contract ending this saga.

The Browns signed Watson to a fully guaranteed five year 250 million dollar contract after acquiring him from the Texans. The Browns gave up three firsts to get Watson, hoping he’d be the solution to a position that’s been a black hole for their organization. Since being acquired by the Browns, Watson has a 61.2 completion percentage, 3,365 yards (177.1 yards per game), 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 12 games played. 

Are either of these guys the future of the organization? Well, Watson will be 31 in September, while Shedeur is 24. So if either of the two has more of a long term future it’d be Sanders. But if this is about the money it’ll be Watson, but the ultimate question is are the Browns eyeing the 2027 draft for a potential franchise Quarterback? But if you erase the 2027 draft and the 46 million Watson makes, who would start? Based on results it should be Sanders, but let’s be honest it’s not like the Browns have been loaded at receiver for either Quarterback. 

It just seems odd to announce in April, who has the advantage. I’d wait until pads are on and enter training camp with a competition between the two. But the guy who should play more games in 2026 is Shedeur, he’s younger, more athletic and I can see if he is a potential franchise QB.