From Newsweek · Matthew Couden · · 1m 30s
Michael Vick backs the Browns' Watson call
Cleveland handed the starting job to Deshaun Watson, and one of the NFL's most famous quarterbacks says waiting is the best thing for Shedeur Sanders.
In brief
Cleveland handed the starting job to Deshaun Watson, and one of the NFL's most famous quarterbacks says waiting is the best thing for Shedeur Sanders. Cleveland is betting on the $230 million contract it already signed, and buying Shedeur Sanders another year to develop while Watson proves he can stay on the field…
Watson gets the job
New head coach Todd Monken named Deshaun Watson the Week 1 starter over Shedeur Sanders, ending an offseason quarterback competition that split the fan base.
Vick says wait your turn
Michael Vick told his YouTube audience that sitting is good for Sanders, and that Watson has something left to prove to everyone watching.
“His time is coming. His time will come. But D-Wat gotta go prove to the world”
Sanders' rookie audition
Sanders started seven games last season after Dillon Gabriel got hurt, going 3-4 with 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Two years of Achilles
Watson tore his right Achilles in 2024, then re-ruptured it and needed a second surgery in January 2025. He missed all of last season recovering.
The $230 million reason
Cleveland traded for Watson in 2022 and signed him to five years and $230 million. That kind of money buys a player another shot at the job.
Sunday is the test
The Browns open September 13 against Jacksonville. Watson has never played more than seven games in a season for Cleveland, and Sanders and Taylen Green are waiting behind him.
The takeaway
Cleveland is betting on the $230 million contract it already signed, and buying Shedeur Sanders another year to develop while Watson proves he can stay on the field.
