Veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson is currently locked in an intense battle with Shedeur Sanders to be the Cleveland Browns’ starter next season. But one NFL analyst believes not much has changed in his ways.

During a segment on the “92.3 The Fan,” The Athletic’s Zac Jackson, who covers the Browns, blasted Watson’s inconsistency during Cleveland’s minicamp.

"I think it’s a fair spring conclusion to say that he’s the same player he’s been here, which is an inconsistent player, not accurate, bad decisions. He’s just not any good,” Jackson said.

According to reports of the podcast covered by 92.3 The Fan, after observing Watson during OTAs and minicamp, Jackson described the veteran signal-caller as inconsistent, inaccurate, and someone who has been constantly making bad decisions.

“My only spring conclusion, you know, there’s not really any conclusions,” Jackson said. “This was a new offense, this was a new environment, Deshaun was playing for the first time."

Watson made his return from a season-long absence after undergoing surgery to repair a re-ruptured Achilles tendon that cost him the entire 2025 campaign, following an initial tear that ended his 2024 season.

The former Pro Bowler has yet to recapture the elite form that made him one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks before joining the Browns.

Watson arrived in Cleveland via a blockbuster 2022 trade with the Houston Texans, bringing a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract.

With the team in rebuild mode, speculation has grown around newer options, including rookie Shedeur Sanders. Jackson’s remarks have fueled the narrative that Watson may not be the long-term answer.

However, it all comes down to who the team chooses to start in their 2026 season.

Analyst doesn't want to see Deshaun Watson play in the NFL anymore

The Cleveland Browns still do not know who will be their starting quarterback. Coach Todd Monken plans to let Deshaun Watson and rookie Shedeur Sanders compete during training camp.

Both players will take turns practicing with the first team because the coach believes both can win games.

Sports analyst Gerstenhaber did not hold back his anger on the Cleveland Sports Show as he declared that he didn't wish to see the QB play.

“Deshaun is an absolute b**. A g**ba*e football player. I don’t want to see him play in the league or for the Browns again,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sanders started seven games last year. He won three games and lost four, throwing for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and ten interceptions. Gerstenhaber doubts Sanders is the long-term solution but says he still has a chance. 

The Browns must now use training camp to see if their future quarterback is already on the team or if they need to draft a new one.

Who is your choice out of the two? Read more at Quarter Back Central!

Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote