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The Cleveland Browns have spent years searching for a long-term answer at quarterback. The 2026 season could determine whether Shedeur Sanders receives that opportunity or becomes another name in the franchise’s lengthy history of failed experiments. Cleveland enters the season with Sanders competing against Deshaun Watson, whose fully guaranteed $230 million contract finally expires after 2026. Watson has appeared in only 19 games since Cleveland acquired him from the Houston Texans in 2022. He has thrown 19 touchdown passes, and the Browns have gone 9-10 in his starts. Sanders received his first extended NFL opportunity late last season. The former fifth-round pick started Cleveland’s final seven games, posting a 3-4 record with seven touchdown passes, 10 interceptions and an 18.9 QBR. Those numbers did not establish Sanders as the Browns’ future, but his offseason improvement kept him in the competition. MORE: Caleb Williams flashes major progress before Bears’ showdown with Joe Burrow, Bengals Shedeur Sanders gets opportunity to win Browns job Watson started Cleveland’s preseason opener against the Chicago Bears. Sanders is expected to start the next game against the Buffalo Bills before head coach Todd Monken decides who will lead the offense in Week 1. ESPN’s Dan Graziano predicted Watson will open the season as the starter before Cleveland eventually turns to Sanders. That scenario would give Sanders another meaningful audition. It also could create a fascinating dilemma for the Browns. Cleveland owns two first-round selections in the 2027 NFL Draft. If the Browns finish near the bottom of the standings, they could have enough capital to pursue one of the class’ premier quarterbacks. Graziano predicted neither Watson nor Sanders will be Cleveland’s starter in 2027, with the Browns instead using an early pick to reset the position. Sanders can change that outcome only by proving his flashes are sustainable. He must improve his decision-making, reduce turnovers and show he can elevate an offense over an extended stretch. Simply outperforming Watson might not be enough to prevent Cleveland from drafting another quarterback. The more intriguing outcome would arrive if Sanders leads the Browns into playoff contention. Cleveland then could win too many games to land a top draft pick while still lacking complete certainty about its young quarterback. Sanders has spent his entire professional career surrounded by debate. His next opportunity could determine whether he becomes Cleveland’s long-awaited answer or merely delays another reset. More NFL news: - Vikings lose Jamal Adams to brutal season-ending injury - Cowboys sign 8-time Pro Bowl pass rusher, 2-time Super Bowl champion Von Miller - Eagles might've already found their Lane Johnson heir after 6-foot-9 rookie Markell Bell - Seahawks 2nd-round S Bud Clark gets bad news on starting job for Week 1 - Will George Kittle be ready for Week 1? 49ers TE explains why he has 'chance' to play vs. Rams