Browns QB Deshaun Watson Draws Attention During Sanders’ Debut

Shedeur Sanders impressed in his preseason debut for the Cleveland Browns, but it was a sideline shot of Deshaun Watson during the game that also turned heads.

Sanders passed for 138 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a 30-10 victory against the Carolina Panthers on Friday. The former Colorado star was in the spotlight with Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel and Kenny Pickett all sitting out for the preseason opener.

Gabriel and Pickett are dealing with hamstring issues, while the Browns opted not to dress the 40-year-old Flacco, who is currently No. 1 on the depth chart.

The broadcast showed a shot of the sideline during the game and many noticed a sad-looking Watson in the shot alongside Gabriel. A screenshot quickly circulated online, drawing thousands of interactions.

“Shedeur Sanders slowly ending careers lol,” the caption read.

Shedeur Sanders slowly ending careers lol 😂 pic.twitter.com/x20pA68Ro8

— GTizzle2144 (@BigTymeSport) August 9, 2025

Browns QB Deshaun Watson, Dillon Gabriel Take Heat

The post quickly gained traction, and fans unleashed on Watson and Gabriel in the comments.

“Deshaun counting all his guaranteed money left rn,” one fan said. “It’s over buddy. And Dillion you was just for show.”

The Browns drafted Gabriel in the third round. The team then added Sanders in the fifth round, ending his draft slide.

“I really think people need to realize Deshaun Watson might have been the problem the whole time. He just infected everything around him,” another fan said. “Sucked the life out. Sometimes it can be that simple, it just rarely is.”

Others took note of Watson’s hat, which wasn’t team gear but instead his No. 4.

“Deshaun Watson’s wearing a custom 4 hat without the Browns logo… Guy’s making 8 figures per game, and he can’t wear a team hat,” one fan said.

Another said, “Haha Deshaun Watson on the sidelines with a customized “DW4” hat. (Expletive).”

Watson remains an expensive, but inactive, part of the Browns’ quarterback room. The Browns traded for Watson in 2022, quickly signing him to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. That runs through the 2026 season. Watson has gone 9-10 as the starter in Cleveland, passing for 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Watson is often forgotten when discussing the Browns’ quarterback competition, which for most of training camp has been a four-man battle. The Browns recently added Tyler Huntley as the sixth quarterback on the roster. Watson is currently recovering from an Achilles injury that is expected to keep him out most, if not all, of this season.

Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Capitalizes on Opportunity

Sanders has had limited opportunity to climb the depth chart. He’s listed as the No. 4 quarterback and has worked exclusively with backups during training camp. Sanders has not seen any time with the starting offense, despite the Browns saying it’s an open competition for the starting role.

After the game, Sanders avoided talking about the quarterback competition. Instead, he’s focusing on what he can control.

“I just think about when I get out there, doing what I’ve got to do. Everything else is not in my hands, so why worry about it?” Sanders said after the game. “Why put energy into something that you can’t control. The most you can do is whenever you get your opportunity, perform.”

Sanders’ next big opportunity could come next week against the Philadelphia Eagles, although the other Browns’ quarterbacks will likely see time as well.