Shedeur Sanders’ true character revealed amid Browns QB battle with Deshaun Watson
Shedeur Sanders throws at the Browns OTA in Berea on May 27, 2026.
Shedeur Sanders throws at the Browns OTA in Berea on May 27, 2026.
Shedeur Sanders has given the Browns something to think about. After a steady offseason, the rookie has made the quarterback race much closer heading into training camp. For insider Mary Kay Cabot, one trait that has stood out most during Sanders' development:
Speaking on the Orange and Brown Talk podcast, Mary Kay Cabot and Dan Labbe explained why Sanders has continued to build momentum. Cabot said the rookie responded after Deshaun Watson initially pulled ahead in the competition.
"Yeah, he's tough. He is tough as nails," she explained on the show. " Not only is he hard to bring down, but he gets back up. He really, really has that toughness and he just doesn't flinch."
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 before 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 Icon260104052
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 before 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 Icon260104052
Cabot added that Sanders has become more efficient with his pre-snap operation, improved his understanding of Todd Monken's offense, and shown he can make quicker decisions, in the same Orange and Brown talk podcast.
Cabot also praised his ability to extend plays without relying solely on athleticism. She also pointed out that the need to eliminate negative plays remains the next step in his development.
After a 7:10 touchdown-to-interception ratio last year, over 1,400 yards in 10 games, surely Sanders would want to improve and cement his place as a starter.
The Browns' coaching staff has yet to name a starting quarterback, and Cabot believes Sanders has earned his place in the competition after making steady progress throughout organized team activities and minicamp.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Watson entered the spring as the favourite, but Sanders has significantly closed the gap.
The competition is now expected to continue into the preseason, giving both quarterbacks another opportunity to make their case.
Sanders remains focused on long-term success
The battle for the starting role is only part of Sanders' ambition. The rookie has made it clear he is aiming far beyond simply winning the Week 1 job.
"I'm not content just being on no team," Sanders said on his YouTube channel. "I'm trying to be one of the greatest. You've got to be thankful, but know there's still more. There's still more."
Sanders finished his rookie season with one rushing score while posting a 3-4 record as a starter.
Watson continues to work his way back from the Achilles injury that ended his 2025 season. His return has left Cleveland with several questions at quarterback.
With no clear frontrunner, the Browns will let training camp decide who earns the starting job.
Read more at the Cincinnati Bengals Community!
Written by
Evince Das
Edited by
Aadesh Dhote