Not yet — and you won't get a clear answer until deep into training camp. Coach Todd Monken has said he won't name a starter until he sees both QBs in full pads and preseason games, with the competition officially carrying into training camp (from the Deshaun Watson page).
Here's the state of play:
- Watson had an early edge at late-May OTAs, especially on explosive downfield throws to Jerry Jeudy and Denzel Boston.
- By mandatory minicamp (June 10–11), Monken reversed course and split first-team reps evenly, saying both QBs "have played well enough to earn the right to compete."
- Concerning trend: Monken called Watson's interceptions in seven-on-seven drills "embarrassing," and Watson's accuracy issues were on display throughout OTAs and minicamp.
- Shedeur Sanders has impressed the coaching staff with his processing and decision-making, with insider Cameron Wolfe reporting Sanders' "aura" has pushed the timeline back on a decision.
Watson himself said he feels fully healthy for the first time since October 2023, but acknowledged he can't "rewind the clock" to his 2020 form. Bottom line: This is a true open competition — Watson is the favorite by experience and contract, but it's far from locked up, and a final call won't come until late in the preseason.