Shedeur Sanders shuts down Deshaun Watson rivalry talk with blunt training camp message

Credits: IMAGO
Credits: IMAGO
Shedeur Sanders isn't interested in adding any more fuel to the conversation surrounding his competition with Deshaun Watson.
As the Browns continue their quarterback battle in training camp, Sanders was once again asked about Watson. This time, he made it clear that he has nothing new to say about the situation.
"We just got to get a next question," Sanders said during a training camp presser. "I answered this question a thousand times. We focus on ourselves and what we do and what we need to do to get better each and every day. So that's just something y'all think about, and y'all care about."

CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 during the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260104136
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 during the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260104136
Before training camp, Watson and Sanders organized throwing sessions in Miami, with teammates including Jerry Jeudy, Isaiah Bond, Denzel Boston, and Dylan Sampson joining the workouts.
"Any rep at any point in time is extremely important. Even the guys that weren't able to make it, we talk about different things in the building, and we work it after practice. So, every rep that we able to get with our guys truly makes a difference and truly builds that trust and connection," Sanders said during a training camp presser.
As training camp moves forward, Sanders stated that the focus remains on improving every day and building chemistry, not on the quarterback situation that continues to generate headlines outside the building.
While Sanders isn't paying much attention to the quarterback debate, he's putting all of his attention into improving his own game.
What's Shedeur Sanders really focused on during Browns camp?
Shedeur Sanders knows training camp won't be perfect, and he is not expecting it to be.
With every practice rep being closely watched as the Browns evaluate their quarterback, Sanders said that he is focused less on daily highs and lows and more on learning the offense inside and out.
"So of course there's going to be good days and bad days," Sanders told Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com. "We always strive to have our best days every day, but I play better, and I feel better whenever I have all the information, and I know exactly what's going on at all times."
Sanders started seven games as a rookie, posting a 3-4 record while throwing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Browns offensive coordinator Todd Monken has appraised the rookie's progress since he arrived, but Cleveland isn't expected to rush its decision at quarterback.
The upcoming preseason games, along with the Browns' joint practice against the Buffalo Bills, are expected to give the coaching staff a better chance to evaluate both Sanders and Deshaun Watson in more competitive settings.
How are Sanders and Watson handling the quarterback competition? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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Written by

Debanjali Rakshit
Edited by

Shubhi Rathore