Shedeur Sanders delivered a pair of brief messages as the Cleveland Browns prepared to settle their starting quarterback competition.
Sanders shared several photos from Saturday’s 31-7 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills, captioning the post simply, “$².”
On his other account, Sanders posted a photo of weights, indicating that he understands the work is not finished, even as he strengthens his case for the starting job.
Sanders completed 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards, one touchdown and one interception against Buffalo. He opened the game with eight consecutive completions and directed Cleveland’s only scoring drive despite playing without most of the Browns’ established starters. His lone interception came on a catchable pass that was deflected over the middle.
Deshaun Watson did not enjoy the same success after replacing Sanders in the third quarter. Watson completed 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards with an interception while hearing loud boos throughout his first appearance at home since tearing his Achilles in October 2024.
Deshaun Watson Press Conference Creates Fallout
Watson’s postgame press conference arguably became more notable than either quarterback’s performance.
Watson called the hostile reception from Browns fans “personal” and “disrespectful.” He also brought up fans cheering when he suffered his Achilles injury and repeatedly said, “I don’t know,” when asked how he would handle what could feel like “17 away games” if named the starter.
Browns coach Todd Monken said the comments would not influence the quarterback decision.
“I still have a few things to weigh out, but I’m not going to get into that,” Monken said.
Monken defended Watson’s emotional response and pointed to the work the quarterback has done to return from two Achilles surgeries.
“I think Deshaun spoke from the heart,” Monken said. “All I’ve seen from him is a player that’s worked awfully hard to get back to where he is now and given himself a chance to compete at the highest level. I’ve been really pleased with how he’s worked, how he’s approached every day.
“None of us like to be booed. We all like to be appreciated. I think that’s just human. I think he emptied his heart a little bit, and I don’t think that says who he is.”
Watson remains the favorite on the prediction market Kalshi on Sunday afternoon, holding a 68% chance of being named Cleveland’s Week 1 starter. Monken is expected to announce his decision on Monday.
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Defends Deshaun Watson
GettyShedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns.
Sanders did not let the quarterback competition prevent him from supporting Watson after the game.
“I don’t appreciate that at all,” Sanders said of the booing. “Regardless of competition, we’re all human beings. I think we all need to understand that. In this room too, we’re all humans. I don’t do things to humans that I wouldn’t want done to me.”
Sanders thanked Browns fans for attending but said Watson is trying to do his best to help the franchise.
“For all the fans, we appreciate you showing up, and however you feel about the situation with Deshaun and everything, I think it’s more about a bigger purpose and it’s respect,” Sanders said. “It’s a respect thing that I feel should be there, because we’re all out there trying to do our best and serve the franchise the best way possible.”
The Browns open the season with consecutive games on the road. Cleveland takes on Jacksonville in their opener, followed by a visit to Tampa Bay. If Watson is named the starter, he won’t be back in front of the home Browns crowd until September 27.
Shedeur Sanders Makes Post Ahead of Browns QB Decision