The Cincinnati Bengals may not see Cleveland Browns record-setting pass rusher Myles Garrett leave the AFC North division any time soon. However, at least the Bengals' intrastate rival won't have a viable quarterback solution any time soon, either.
One major advantage Cincinnati can bank on in twice-annual matchups for the foreseeable future is at the most important position on the field. Well, that is, if Joe Burrow can manage to stay healthy.
As discouraging as some of Zac Taylor's remarks were from the annual NFL meetings, what the Browns had to say about their QB situation was even more disconcerting. Well, for them at least. Great news for Who Dey Nation indeed!
Browns appear split on Shedeur Sanders vs. Deshaun Watson to face Joe Burrow's Bengals in 2026
This wasn't some 4D chess gamesmanship strategy to throw opponents off the scent of which direction they're leaning at QB. This was a case of the Browns Browning harder than usual.
Just look at some of what the boots on the ground veteran reporters documented from owner Jimmy Haslam and new head coach Todd Monken.
Haslam said Deshaun Watson has “a great chance, fresh start” beginning next week.
— Zac Jackson (@AkronJackson) March 30, 2026
“Let’s see what Deshaun can do. We’re all excited.” https://t.co/UjAwT5VHhH
That would, in theory, put Shedeur Sanders in a position to get significant reps during offseason workouts. https://t.co/jaLBY6pN8W
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 31, 2026
We're off to a rip-roaring start to the Monken era, Cleveland! Head coach and owner already not at all on the same page whatsoever? You absolutely love to see it.
Anyone with a functioning cluster of brain cells or several can see that Haslam is desperately clinging to any ray of hope that Watson represents.
Jimmy, my guy, the damage is done. The trade for Watson, taking into account the draft compensation, fully guaranteed contract, and his deplorable character, is the worst in NFL history. It's not particularly close. Let it gooooooo.
Pro Bowler (lol) Shedeur Sanders has the clear inside track for the Browns' QB1 gig. Or at least he should. Watson has single-handedly sabotaged Cleveland more than perhaps any individual athlete in any sport of my lifetime. That alone should be disqualifying, never mind the injuries, aforementioned-but-worth-repeating deplorable character, and poor on-field performance.
To me, Shedeur is way over-hated. It's easy to see how his antics and personality rub some the wrong way. It's easy to see how that can cloud his evaluation, and why he slipped to the fifth round of the draft.
But Shedeur is a better player than a fifth-round pick. He got thrown into the fire last season for a terrible offensive unit with minimal help from the receiving corps. Now, Shedeur is about to learn a new system under a new coach.
It'd be stupid of Cleveland to give Watson any meaningful share of the first-team reps at any point this offseason. We are talking about the Browns, however, so don't put it past them!
You just gotta love how dysfunctional the Browns continue to be. Shoot, would it shock anyone if they drafted one-year starter Alabama QB Ty Simpson with the sixth overall pick? Not at all.
If Cleveland's plan is to roll with Shedeur on a rebuilding roster, as opposed to surrounding him with premier talent, which he likely needs to be a successful NFL starter, that isn't liable to work out well either.
What a beautiful hot mess the Browns are, eh? They make the Bengals look like a world-class operation by comparison.