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The Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition is expected to be one of the biggest storylines of NFL training camp, with second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders battling veteran Deshaun Watson for the starting job. While plenty of fans are eager to see whether Sanders can take the next step after an up-and-down rookie campaign, not everyone believes he'll emerge as Cleveland's Week 1 starter.
With Browns rookies reporting to training camp this week and veterans set to arrive shortly after, opinions are beginning to surface about how the competition could unfold. Sanders has generated positive headlines throughout the offseason thanks to his leadership, work ethic and willingness to build chemistry with teammates, but one longtime Browns insider believes the path to QB1 remains an uphill climb.
Despite the excitement surrounding Sanders entering his second NFL season, ESPN Cleveland analyst Tony Grossi isn't expecting the former Colorado star to win the job.
Tony Grossi Doesn't Expect Shedeur Sanders to Win Browns QB Battle
During a recent appearance on ESPN Cleveland, Grossi was asked whether Sanders could beat out Watson for the starting quarterback job.
"I would be surprised. I don't think at this stage Watson is going to come back to the pack," Grossi said.
Grossi's comments suggest he still views Watson as the favorite if healthy, even after the veteran missed the entire 2025 season and has not appeared in an NFL game since 2024.
The opinion aligns with comments Grossi has made elsewhere this week, saying he believes the Browns still view Watson as having the higher ceiling entering training camp, while acknowledging Sanders could still surprise everyone.
That assessment isn't likely to sit well with many Browns fans, especially those hoping Sanders can seize the opportunity after showing flashes during his rookie season.
Sanders Focused on Improvement, Not the Competition
Rather than fueling any quarterback controversy, Sanders has consistently emphasized teamwork throughout the offseason.
The second-year quarterback recently trained alongside Watson and several of Cleveland's top receivers during workouts in Miami, explaining that the quarterbacks are helping each other improve instead of focusing on the competition.
"We're both trying to be the best version of ourselves we could be," Sanders recently said.
"We're not going to let anything get in between that."
He added that the quarterbacks regularly exchange ideas and learn from one another, calling those conversations "what's most effective."
Sanders also highlighted how valuable the offseason throwing sessions were for building relationships with teammates outside the Browns' facility before training camp begins.
While Grossi believes Watson remains the favorite, the competition is far from settled. Training camp practices and preseason games will ultimately determine who gives Cleveland the best chance to win.
For Sanders, that means he'll soon have the opportunity to prove analysts wrong and show the Browns he's ready to take over as the franchise's starting quarterback.
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