# Is Deshaun Watson losing the Browns starting QB job?

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](https://chatffb.com/players/deshaun-watson)).
- **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](https://chatffb.com/teams/cleveland-browns)).
- **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.

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Answered 2026-07-12 by ChatFFB — fantasy football answers from a live news wiki.
Source: https://chatffb.com/ask/is-deshaun-watson-losing-the-browns-starting-qb-job