Deshaun Sanders & Shedeur Watson Shine In Celeveland Browns’ Offseason Minicamp

The Cleveland Browns held their first offseason minicamp on April 21.

The most notable storyline of the minicamp was the quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. Despite the minicamp being optional, both players wanted to make a good impression in hopes of winning the starting spot.

Sanders went 11-for-11 in drills. Todd Monken told reporters before the minicamp that he plans for Sanders to work with the starters more.

The Browns drafted Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He started the final seven games of the season. He threw seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His best game was against the Tennessee Titans when he threw three touchdowns and one interception. Sanders was named to the Pro Bowl. Reporters discovered that no other quarterback was available for the Pro Bowl Games in February. 

There was no mention of the specific number of drills that Watson did. However, Monken said that Watson was moving well and making accurate passes.

Watson missed the 2025 season with a torn Achilles. Watson was working back from a 2024 Achilles tear, but suffered another one in January 2025. 

In his last season, Watson threw five touchdowns and three interceptions in seven games. The Browns went 1-6 in these seven games. 

Just a few years ago, in 2020, Watson led the league in passing yards with 4,823. In 2021, he faced over 20 lawsuits for alleged sexual misconduct. The Houston Texans put him on indefinite leave for the 2021 season.

The Browns traded for Watson in 2022. Since 2022, he’s thrown 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. For context, in his last season with the Texans, he threw 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions.  

The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23. The Browns hold two first-round picks. Although it’s reported they may take a QB in the later rounds, their earlier picks will likely focus on receivers and offensive linemen.