In an interesting twist, the more games Deshaun Watson wins at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, the more important Shedeur Sanders actually becomes as a backup. If the Browns were in contention for the playoffs and Watson was injured, Sanders would keep their postseason hopes alive.
It’s certainly not the role Sanders or his legion of fans expected, as he looked like a real contender for the starting job in the preseason. But this season could be extremely important for the Browns and their future career.
Heading into their Week 5 game against the New York Jets, ESPN insider Daniel Oyefusi revealed the Browns’ plans for Sanders as they continue to work with him to make sure he’s ready when called upon.
“The whole plan, like Monke said, is to play the long game. The plan is to keep working with him. It’s tough for any backup, not to mention the young backups, because these guys aren’t getting any No. 1 reps. It’s all leading up to the start. That’s the plan right now, keep working with him behind the scenes. If something happens, he’ll be ready.” don’t be offended,” Oyefusi said.
“The plan is to continue working with him behind the scenes.”@DanielOyefusi says the Browns are still taking a long-term approach with Shedeur Sanders, whose development has come largely through scout-team work, mental replays and extra preparation. #Browns pic.twitter.com/9M1QCDBcvD
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) October 6, 2026
It looked like Sanders might get that opportunity in Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers. Watson had to leave the game late in the fourth quarter and Sanders had a potential go-ahead score. Watson completed one pass for no gain before returning and throwing a TD to Harold Fannin Jr. in a 21-18 victory.
Watson added to his historic streak against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4, setting up a 56-yard field goal by Andre Szmyt for a 27–24 victory. The 31-year-old is getting better every game and is well on his way to his best season in Cleveland.
However, based on Watson’s long injury history, Sanders is always just one game away from being needed. That situation could become more complicated when Dillon Gabriel returns to practice from injured reserve, but for now, Sanders is the only option, with rookie Taylen Green not ready for extended playoff time.
Ideally, the Browns will continue to hang around with Watson while Sanders tries to improve his game as much as he can to become Cleveland’s starter next year or expand his market if he goes elsewhere.
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Analyst Makes Bold Claim About Deshaun Watson