Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski recently named rookie Shedeur Sanders the starting quarterback for the remainder of the 2025 season, following his impressive performance against the Tennessee Titans where he threw for 364 yards and four touchdowns. This decision was made official on December 8, a day after Sanders’ standout game, despite the Browns’ tumultuous season and the challenges posed by injuries.
Stefanski’s announcement comes after Dillon Gabriel, the team’s third-round draft pick, received a six-game audition, leaving the team with a solid sample size to evaluate Sanders moving into the offseason. Even with a challenging matchup against the Buffalo Bills ahead, Sanders’ position seems secure as the team prioritizes his development over immediate wins, particularly as they remain near the bottom of the NFL standings.
However, an ongoing narrative continues to hover over the Browns: the status of Deshaun Watson. Despite Watson being sidelined and officially ruled out for the Bills game, Stefanski has refrained from definitively closing the door on Watson’s future with the team. This has left many fans unsettled as they grapple with the quarterback’s complicated history and hefty contract.
Watson, who had his practice window opened on December 3, has yet to participate fully in practices, and the Browns face a significant decision regarding his status soon. As his 21-day practice window draws to a close, the franchise must determine whether to activate him from injured reserve or let him finish the season on IR. Stefanski’s remarks about Watson’s progress have only stoked the fire of speculation among fans eager for clarity.
The prospect of activating Watson, despite naming Sanders the starter, seems focused more on giving Watson an opportunity to practice and prepare for a potential return rather than suggesting he will re-enter the starting role. With a young and promising quarterback in Sanders, the Browns are at a crucial juncture where they can focus on building for the future while addressing the uncertainties of their past decisions.
In navigating these complicated dynamics, Stefanski remains at the center of the conversation, as some fans question why the team continues to entertain Watson’s situation rather than embracing the fresh start that Sanders represents. The choices made in the coming weeks will play a critical role in shaping the direction of the Browns as they aim to move away from a tumultuous chapter and look forward to a more stable future.