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Watson Exits Browns Minicamp; Sanders Touted Starting Contender

5/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Deshaun Watson left the Browns’ June 9-11 minicamp ahead of Shedeur Sanders as the frontrunner for the starting quarterback role.
Owner Jimmy Haslam fully guaranteed Watson’s five-year, $230 million contract, which includes a $46 million salary for the 2026 season.
General manager Andrew Berry said the decision is not final and that Watson’s experience does not automatically give him an advantage over Sanders.

History

Historical Context

In 2008, after Tom Brady’s season-ending knee injury, the Patriots signed backup Matt Cassel to a five-year deal and posted an 11-5 record that missed the playoffs. The move reflected the “Patriot Way” of using cap-friendly contracts, a strategy that later shaped how the franchise manages quarterback guarantees and starter hierarchies.

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Story summary

Deshaun Watson left the Browns’ June 9-11 minicamp ahead of Shedeur Sanders as the frontrunner for the starting quarterback role.
Owner Jimmy Haslam fully guaranteed Watson’s five-year, $230 million contract, which includes a $46 million salary for the 2026 season.
General manager Andrew Berry said the decision is not final and that Watson’s experience does not automatically give him an advantage over Sanders.

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