# 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.
- Title: Michael Vick backs the Browns' Watson call · Newsweek
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: nfl, cleveland browns, deshaun watson, shedeur sanders, quarterbacks, Michael, Vick, backs, Browns', Watson, call, Newsweek
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/sports/nfl/michael-vick-praises-browns-for-starting-deshaun-watson-over-shedeur-sanders-12436376
- Author: Matthew Couden
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nfl, cleveland browns, deshaun watson, shedeur sanders, quarterbacks
## 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.
## Key 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.