Who Should I Start? Deshaun Watson or Graham Mertz

Tuesday, April 7, 6:03 PM

The Athletic's Zac Jackson said that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles), who hasn't played since October of 2024 due to a twice-torn right Achilles tendon, has "been medically cleared for competition." The Browns have put a positive spin on Watson's recovery all offseason and will give him the chance to compete with Shedeur Sanders for the starting job this summer. Sanders, a fifth-rounder last year, started the final seven games of last season and was predictably erratic, although he did show signs of being an explosive playmaker at QB. Jackson adds that Sanders "seems most likely to get the first crack at the starting job and operate as the No. 1" early in spring workouts. However, new head coach Todd Monken continues to stress that "nothing is settled." Watson has the better resume (a three-time Pro Bowler), but he's also 30 years old and is coming off a serious injury. And with Watson's contract expiring after 2026, "logic says" the Browns should prefer the younger option in Sanders. Whoever wins the job this summer will merely be a low-end QB2 option in superflex fantasy football leagues.