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Browns favor Deshaun Watson on $230M deal over Sanders

8/20/2026

43 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Cleveland Browns favor veteran Deshaun Watson, on a $230 million contract, over second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Watson, who has not played since Oct. 20, 2024 and tore his Achilles in Jan. 2025, started the loss to the Chicago Bears.
The Browns lost 34-10 while Sanders threw six of 11 passes with an interception.
ESPN’s Mike Greenberg said the Browns are not developing Sanders and will start him Week 2 against Buffalo.

History

Historical Context

After drafting Tom Brady in the 2000 sixth round, the Patriots built a dynasty that captured six Super Bowls and kept him as their starter through 2011, reinforcing a league-wide preference for proved veterans. When Brady left for Tampa Bay in 2020, the Browns followed the pattern by offering Deshaun Watson a deal, illustrating how teams prioritize established talent over younger quarterbacks.

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Story summary

The Cleveland Browns favor veteran Deshaun Watson, on a $230 million contract, over second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Watson, who has not played since Oct. 20, 2024 and tore his Achilles in Jan. 2025, started the loss to the Chicago Bears.
The Browns lost 34-10 while Sanders threw six of 11 passes with an interception.
ESPN’s Mike Greenberg said the Browns are not developing Sanders and will start him Week 2 against Buffalo.

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