Browns fans have 'moved past Deshaun Watson' according to podcast hosts, creating a massive dilemma for a new coaching staff weighing their $230 million investment against a promising rookie
' quarterback situation promises to be the most explosive storyline of the offseason, with new head coach Todd Monken facing a defining decision between giving the controversial Deshaun Watson another chance or turning the keys over to promising young gun Shedeur Sanders.
, Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot didn’t mince words about the public relations nightmare awaiting the organization if they decide to stick with Watson. “Part of the problem is the fact that talking up Deshaun Watson goes over like a lead balloon right now. It is not a popular topic,” Cabot revealed. “And so I think that they just want to be careful and judicious. If they get to the point where Todd Monkin watches all that film and decides what he wants to do and the answer comes out, I think we need to give Deshaun Watson a chance, I think they’re going to have to figure out how the message is going to be delivered because that’s not necessarily going to excite Browns fans.” The podcast discussion illuminated how dramatically fan sentiment has shifted away from Watson, despite the organization’s massive investment in the quarterback. Host Dan Labbe noted that “this fan base has moved past Deshaun Watson so much” that many fans had convinced themselves the team would move on this offseason. The financial reality, however, means Watson remains on the roster, creating a delicate situation for the new coaching staff. Do they continue trying to salvage their $230 million investment, or pivot to the young quarterback who captured fans’ imagination late last season? “There’s a lot of Shedeur fallout that comes from not choosing Shedeur Sanders as the starting quarterback and not giving him that first crack at QB1,” Labbe explained. “And maybe that’s what they want to do. Maybe they come to the conclusion that playing the young guy is the right way to go and figure out what you’ve got and give yourself some clarity moving into ‘27 as well.” The situation is further complicated by recent comments from defensive star Myles Garrett, who indicated in an interview with Micah Parsons that Sanders would enter the offseason as QB1. Cabot cautioned against reading too much into these comments, noting: “But remember that this is Todd Monken’s offensive show and it’s going to come down to what he wants and who he believes is going to give them the best chance to win.” Monken’s background working with dual-threat quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson in Baltimore suggests he may prefer a mobile quarterback who can extend plays and stress defenses with his legs. Whether Watson can still offer those skills after injuries and time away from the game remains a significant question. “We know that Todd Monken prefers a running quarterback. He is all about the dual threat quarterback,” Cabot explained. “And he’s just coming off of three years with Lamar Jackson and he sees what that can do to a defense.” The competition timeline presents another challenge. While a drawn-out quarterback battle might seem appealing from a talent evaluation perspective, Labbe emphasized the need for a quick decision to properly implement Monken’s new offensive system. “I almost think that’s why they need to just sort of pick a quarterback and do it quickly and not waste time,” he said. “When they report in July, they gotta get going.” To hear the complete analysis of the Browns’ quarterback conundrum and what it means for the 2026 season, check out the full episode of the Orange and Brown Talk podcast featuring Dan Labbe and Mary Kay Cabot.The Jim Schwartz standoff: Why the Browns’ defensive mastermind walked away and won’t be coming back
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