The Cleveland Browns are holding an open competition for their starting quarterback job, but not everyone wants to feed the daily hype media. A press conference showed where Shedeur Sanders' patience stands right now.

During media availability after Browns training camp on August 1,  reporters once again asked the quarterback about the ongoing battle for the starting job with Deshaun Watson. 

Sanders noted, "I answered this question a thousand times. We focus on ourselves and what we do, and what we need to do to get better each and every day. So, that's just what I care about."

A report from Pro Football Network, published on August 2 by Henrique Bulio, highlighted these comments. The report explained that Sanders wants the focus to remain on his daily development instead of discussions about who will start. 

He has been answering similar questions since OTAs, mandatory minicamp, and now into training camp. He believes the media is just focused on creating a quarterback battle storyline, while he is focused on improving his craft every day.

Watson is returning from Achilles injuries, and Sanders took over the offense late in 2025. Neither quarterback has secured the starting job yet. 

Head coach Todd Monken continues rotating the first-team reps and says on-field performance will decide the starter. 

The team is dealing with a messy roster problem that makes the starting job a complicated issue.

Why the Browns' quarterback situation is complicated

The competition started because Watson missed the complete 2025 season after his Achilles injury. This opened the door for Sanders, who started the final seven games of the year. 

According to the NFL official website, his rookie numbers included 1,400 passing yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, leading to a 3-4 record as a starter. 

Watson is in the final year of his guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal. The Browns cannot easily trade or release him because of cap implications, which sit right around $40.9 million. 

Monken has refused to name a starter. He is alternating first-team reps and says both quarterbacks have earned the chance to compete. Monken maintains that their play, rather than their reputation, will determine the starter. 

Watson has also dismissed any narrative of a feud between the two players. He said the quarterback room is supportive, and both players help each other improve. 

The Browns also own an extra first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, giving them future flexibility if neither quarterback becomes the long-term solution. 

Drop your Week 1 starter predictions below and let's see who gets it right!

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Written by

Utsav Sinha

Edited by

Utsav Sinha