I think it all boils down to one question. Do they decide whether to go all in for this coming season by starting watson and focus on the short term? Or do they start Sanders to see what his potential is moving forward so they have a full view of the facts going into next years draft. I would prefer they see what they have in Sanders moving forward even though my faith in him is little to none rather than going into next years draft with that question still looming. But I get it either way.
You are exactly right, that’s the question that needs answered. I think we are all going to find out in about two weeks. If Berry, through Monkens eyes, has decided Sanders doesn’t have what it takes to develop into a franchise guy, he is probably going to end this right now if there is a trade partner. It’s the only way for Watson to start without everyone saying it’s the wrong decision. With Sanders elsewhere it opens the door for Monken to start who he wants instead of who most of us want. It also closes the chapter on development in the current QB room and starts the process to find the next guy who is hopefully a better prospect for longevity in winning.
Bonefish, I agree with your points on Watson showing nothing to this point. He hasn’t had anything to play for in his first 4 years with the Browns. He didn’t want to be here, but his love of money outweighs his love of football, gamesmanship, team unity.. just about anything.
Watson has a next contract to play for in 2026, he finally had motivation to show teams outside of Cleveland what he can do to earn another payday. I don’t rule out his money motivation as a factor to returning to form.. and it just so happens Berry gave him weapons that can help him accomplish that.
I think Gariel's stats compare with those of Shedufus, and way fewer turnovers. I am not sure why he is looked at as the odd man out.
Gabriel is who we think he is, a safe, boring QB that won’t lose you games, but he isn’t going to win you any either. Everyone has to be on point every week or you lose. Sanders is willing to take risks that Gabriel won’t. That’s his edge…but also his downfall because he just isn’t good enough to pull it off more times than not. That’s what franchise guys do, Sanders doesn’t seem like a franchise guy. Not because of what he didn’t do in 2025, that was a short stacked deck against him. He just doesn’t show enough on film to convince me he has all the tools. I actually think he has the heart, he’s won me over in that respect.
They have to decide what’s best for 2026 to try to win games, then focus on each week individually. They can worry about what’s next when the final whistle blows.