Not definitively — but the job is very much up for grabs.
Here's where things stand after mandatory minicamp (early June):
- No starter named yet. Head coach Todd Monken originally hoped to decide by minicamp's end, but reversed course and said the competition will "bleed into training camp." Both Watson and Sanders are splitting first-team reps evenly (from the Deshaun Watson page).
- Watson had an early edge at OTAs in late May, particularly on downfield throws to Jerry Jeudy and rookie Denzel Boston. But that momentum stalled in minicamp.
- Concern: Monken called interceptions thrown by both QBs in 7-on-7 drills "embarrassing." Watson's accuracy issues have been on display throughout the spring (from the Browns team page).
- Watson says he's fully healthy for the first time since his October 2023 shoulder injury, but acknowledged he can't replicate his 2020 MVP form.
Bottom line: Watson hasn't lost the job, but he hasn't locked it down either. It's a true open competition with Shedeur Sanders that'll stretch into training camp and preseason games. If you're drafting Browns skill players in fantasy, this ambiguity is a big red flag — avoid reaching until we get clarity.