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Shedeur Sanders is behind Deshaun Watson in the Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition.

The Cleveland Browns quarterback competition is just kicking into gear but Shedeur Sanders already finds himself chasing.

Sanders is trying to hold off Deshaun Watson in what the Browns have dubbed an open competition for the starting quarterback job. Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green will also be in the mix, but are unlikely to be considered for the QB1 role.

After the voluntary minicamp, it appears that Watson is in the driver’s seat to win the job, per Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

“Deshaun Watson emerged from the Browns’ voluntary minicamp last week with an edge over Shedeur Sanders in the two-man quarterback competition — and has the inside track to be named the Browns QB1,” Cabot said. “The Browns have said that their quarterback decision will be based on performance alone as opposed to development and a potential high pick in next year’s QB-rich draft class, and if the season started tomorrow, Watson would be the starter.”

Time is also ticking on the Browns making a decision. Cabot said Cleveland hopes to establish a quarterback hierarchy by the end of minicamp (June 9-11). Sanders has limited time and opportunities to make an impression.

“Sanders, who’s made excellent progress this offseason, still has about six weeks to try to come from behind, but his perfect timing might not have arrived just yet,” Cabot said.

Browns QB Deshaun Watson Won’t Be Popular Pick

It will be hard for Monken and the Browns to convince the fan base — and perhaps some in the locker room — that Watson is the right choice moving forward. His tenure in Cleveland has been a disaster following a 2022 blockbuster trade, marred by a lengthy suspension, injuries and inconsistent play.

Watson has appeared in just 19 games in a Browns uniform, passing for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Cleveland has gone 9-10 in the games he’s started. Watson missed all of last season recovering from two Achilles surgeries.

Many believed Watson had played his last snap in Cleveland when Browns owner Jimmy Haslam called the move for the former Pro Bowler a “big swing and miss” last offseason. However, Haslam has since changed his tone.

“Deshaun has a great chance, fresh start, offensive-minded coach, who has in his past been able to work with all kinds of different quarterbacks and make them successful,” Haslam said in March. “So, Deshaun has a great chance to do that now. … Let’s see what Deshaun can do. We’re all excited.”

Deshaun Watson Remains Quiet Amid Browns QB Battle

Watson was the only quarterback not to speak to the media during minicamp. He has not held a press conference in over a year, with his only messages coming out through social media.

Sanders acknowledged the quarterback competition but made it clear his focus isn’t on what’s ahead, instead staying locked in on the present.

“That’s not up to me. I go out there every day and focus on what I can control,” Sanders said. “If I focus on something I can’t control, then I’ll be living the wrong way.”

Sanders started seven games as a rookie, posting a 3-4 record while throwing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The flashes were there, even if the consistency wasn’t. Now it’s a matter of whether he’ll get the opportunity to build on it next season.