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Cleveland Browns fans are still fuming over Saturday’s 31-7 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills, a game where Deshaun Watson did little to ease concerns. Now ESPN analyst Marcus Spears has added fuel to the fire with a blunt take on the Browns’ new starting quarterback. His comments came during a recent appearance and what he had to say next left little room for interpretation. Marcus Spears Rips Deshaun Watson’s Contract After Browns’ Decision Spears did not mince words when discussing the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback decision. Appearing on the Rich Eisen Show, the ESPN analyst zeroed in on Watson’s contract, calling out the five-year, $230 million deal that has failed to deliver results in Cleveland. Spears argued that the money no longer matters if the production is not there, and he made his preference clear: “It’s about 230 million dollars… It hasn’t worked out… Shedeur Sanders should be the starter.” Spears frustration echoes a growing chorus among fans and analysts who feel Cleveland’s front office is prioritizing a struggling veteran over a player who has already proven he can win games under pressure. “It’s about 230 million dollars. … It hasn’t worked out. … Shedeur Sanders should be the starter.” Marcus Spears weighs in on Deshaun Watson being named the Browns starting QB on the @RichEisenShow. pic.twitter.com/WlGXLcdppS — NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) August 24, 2026 The Browns officially named Watson their Week 1 starter on Monday, August 24, ending a competition that stretched through the offseason and training camp. The decision came just two days after Watson struggled in relief during Cleveland’s preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills, completing only 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and an interception in the second half. Fans in attendance booed him throughout the outing. Head coach Todd Monken pointed to Watson’s experience and readiness for early road games as deciding factors. Still, Sanders had closed the gap significantly during camp, making the final call anything but easy for Cleveland’s coaching staff. Shedeur Sanders Has Handled This Pressure Before Spears is far from the only voice pushing back on Cleveland’s decision. Sanders himself has stayed composed under similar scrutiny throughout camp, previously opening up about how badly Browns fans want something to believe in. That mindset showed up on the field too, as the rookie went 9 of 11 for 74 yards and a touchdown against the Bills, real growth this preseason. Despite this, Monken has made clear that the job is not locked in for the rest of the year. That leaves the door open for Sanders to still get his chances in relief, and he could see the field quickly if Watson struggles again. Watson now enters the season as Cleveland’s starter, but the leash appears short given his recent struggles. The Browns open the regular season on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and another rough outing could reignite calls for Sanders to take over. More NFL News: - Deshaun Watson Takes Wild Jab at Browns Fans With Blunt ’17 Away Games’ Comment - Todd Monken Shuts Down Reporter’s Attempt To “Trap” Him On Deshaun Watson-Shedeur Sanders Comparison - Former NFL Star Hits Cleveland Browns With Shedeur Sanders Accusation - Browns QB Shedeur Sanders gets brutally honest on horrible INT vs. Bears