Full Breakdown
Fitzpatrick Predicts Watson’s Failure as Browns Starting Quarterback
8/28/2026, 9:25:40 PM
Core Event
During the preseason finale against the New England Patriots on August 27, 2026, former NFL quarterback-turned-analyst Ryan Fitzpatrick told the Amazon Prime broadcast that Deshaun Watson’s tenure as Cleveland’s starter “is gonna happen” – meaning Watson will fail and Shedeur Sanders will replace him. Fitzpatrick made the comment after being asked directly by color analyst Kirk Herbstreit whether he expected Watson to lose the job.
Background & Context
The Browns announced Watson as the Week 1 starter for the 2026 season, relegating Shedeur Sanders to the No. 2 spot and Dillon Gabriel to third. Watson’s contract, signed in March 2022, is a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal with $46 million in cash for 2026. Since joining Cleveland, Watson has started 19 regular-season games, missed the entire 2025 campaign after tearing his Achilles, and has been sidelined by an 11-game suspension stemming from sexual-misconduct allegations.
Fan reaction has been hostile; spectators booed when Watson entered the field, prompting him to describe the response as “personal” and “disrespectful.”
Data & Statistics
- Preseason (2026): Watson 16-of-27, 162 yds, 0 TD, 1 INT, 6.0 YPA, 1 sack.
- Shedeur Sanders: 15-of-22, 153 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT, 7.0 YPA, 1 sack.
- Dillon Gabriel: 17-of-24, 209 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT, 8.7 YPA, 2 sacks.
- Career record as starter (through 2025): 9-10, 341-of-557, 3,365 yds, 19 TD, 12 INT.
Official Statements & Responses
Watson later said the fan reaction “was personal” and that he “understand[s] the frustration” of the Cleveland fanbase. Sports commentator Terry Pluto argued Watson’s comments did not help and that fans have a right to express displeasure, especially season-ticket holders paying “thousands of dollars” for tickets. Pluto noted the first two road games in Jacksonville and Tampa Bay will serve as an “audition” for Watson; a poor start could force the organization to reconsider the quarterback lineup.
Criticism & Opposition
Pluto highlighted the disconnect between Watson’s sizable contract and his on-field performance, suggesting the investment “doesn’t guarantee success.” He warned that a 0-2 start would increase pressure on head coach Kevin Monken to make a change, and a “disaster” could accelerate calls for Sanders to take over.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is set up here for Shedeur,” — Ryan Fitzpatrick
- “This is such a young roster with a lot of changing parts and a lot of new guys, so they're gonna struggle on offense this year,” — Ryan Fitzpatrick
- “If he had remained quiet and just said, ‘Yeah, fans were frustrated. I'm frustrated. We all got to get better,’ because the job was his of being handed to him,” — Terry Pluto
What’s Next
The Browns open the regular season on the road at Jacksonville, followed by a second away game at Tampa Bay. Their first home contest is scheduled for Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers. These early matchups will determine whether Watson retains the starting role or if the team pivots to Sanders or Gabriel as Fitzpatrick predicted.
