As the 2026 NFL Combine began, Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry spoke to the media. When asked about the team’s quarterback plans, he said Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson are still the two top candidates to be next season’s starter.
“We don’t have to make that decision anytime soon,” Berry said. “I think any player that we have in that room we would expect to compete to earn a role. Those two would be no different.”
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While he said it could be a while until a decision is made, he gave Sanders credit for his development and encouraged him to keep growing.
“I think the biggest thing that we want to see from Shedeur is just continued growth,” Berry said. “He grew a lot from Start 1 to Start 7. I think certainly playing more efficiently, not putting the ball in harm’s way as much would be important while maintaining the ability to produce out of structure and generate explosive plays.”
The Browns finished last season with a 5-12 record and a 3-4 record with Sanders as the starter.
As for Watson, Berry says he’s progressing well in his injury rehab.
“Deshaun’s been working really hard, he’s been working his tail off,” he said. “And like I said, we’re excited to go in mid-April with all of our players across the roster.”
Watson has appeared in just 19 games for the Browns in three seasons and will be owed roughly $46 million next season.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
