Shedeur Sanders could already face a difficult path to playing time with the Cleveland Browns, and that challenge may become even more complicated if Deshaun Watson fails to perform.
Cleveland’s decision to continue investing in Watson has drawn criticism, especially because Sanders’ development could become tied to the veteran quarterback’s future. ESPN analyst Jason Fitz questioned the entire structure of the Browns’ quarterback room.
“What a mess. What an absolute mess,” Fitz said.
Shedeur Sanders caught in Cleveland’s quarterback experiment
Watson’s contract and status have made Cleveland’s quarterback situation unusually complex. Every decision involving the veteran carries consequences for the players waiting behind him, including Sanders.
Fitz said the Browns have created a problem that extends beyond the basic question of who should start.
“You have a quarterback situation where you’re trying to figure out what Deshaun Watson is, you’re trying to figure out what Shedeur Sanders is,” Fitz said.
That uncertainty could limit Sanders’ development if Cleveland spends too much time trying to make the Watson experiment work before fully evaluating its younger quarterback.
Sanders entered the NFL needing consistent opportunities to develop, but those chances could become more difficult to find if the Browns remain committed to Watson regardless of his performance.
Browns could face pressure if Deshaun Watson struggles
The biggest complication could arise if Watson fails to play well. Cleveland would then face pressure to make a change, but any decision involving Sanders would come amid intense expectations and scrutiny rather than as part of a carefully planned development process.
Fitz believes the Browns have made their quarterback situation unnecessarily difficult.
“The Browns have burdened themselves with this Deshaun Watson experiment,” he said.
That burden could eventually affect Sanders as well. If Watson performs, Sanders may spend significant time waiting for an opportunity. If Watson struggles, calls for a change could place the rookie in a difficult situation before Cleveland has determined whether he is genuinely ready.
Neither outcome gives Sanders the straightforward development path a young quarterback typically needs. The Browns still have time to establish a clear hierarchy, but their continued uncertainty surrounding Watson risks making Sanders’ first NFL season far more complicated than necessary.
If the veteran ultimately fails to justify Cleveland’s faith, the pressure surrounding Sanders could quickly become even greater.
