The Cleveland Browns depth chart has undergone a dramatic transformation as rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders locks in as the team’s starter while Deshaun Watson remains sidelined with a devastating Achilles injury. Sanders made his fifth NFL start today in Week 16 against the Buffalo Bills, cementing his position as Cleveland’s quarterback of the future despite uncertainty that dominated the 2025 offseason.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Shedeur Sanders named permanent starter for remainder of 2025 season on December 8
- Deshaun Watson has torn his Achilles tendon twice within three months spanning October 2024 and January 2025
- Watson unlikely to play in 2025 and expected to remain on Browns roster through 2026
- Sanders was fifth-round pick in April 2025 draft but rapidly ascended depth chart
Shedeur Sanders Solidifies Position After Rapid Rise Through Ranks
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The Browns quarterback depth chart looking vastly different from preseason expectations. Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed December 8 that Sanders would remain the starting quarterback for the remainder of the 2025 season after the rookie demonstrated improvement despite uneven performances. Sanders started today against Buffalo in Week 16, marking his fifth consecutive start after rising from the third position on the depth chart in preseason.
Sanders went 5-of-5 passing on an opening drive for 58 yards with a touchdown pass to Harold Fannin Jr. in the second quarter. The rookie briefly departed the game with a bloody pinky finger but returned to action, showing toughness that impressed Cleveland’s coaching staff. His promotion reflects a clear organizational commitment to develop the young quarterback rather than rely on injured veteran options.
Deshaun Watson’s Double Achilles Injury Ends 2025 Participation
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Watson’s time with the Browns has been marked by catastrophic injury misfortune beginning in Week 7 of the 2024 season when he originally ruptured his right Achilles tendon. The 30-year-old underwent surgery to repair the initial tear but suffered a freak re-rupture less than three months later, requiring a second surgical procedure in January 2025 that effectively ended any realistic hope of returning this year.
According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Watson is unlikely to play in 2025 but remains expected to be part of the Browns roster in 2026. The quarterback has missed the final 10 games of the 2024 season and the entirety of the 2025 campaign due to his cascading Achilles injuries, leaving him sidelined for nearly 15 months of football.
Depth Chart Evolution From Flacco to Sanders Leadership
| QB Position | Status | Role |
| Shedeur Sanders | Active Starter | Fifth-round pick 2025, leading offense |
| Dillon Gabriel | Backup | First-round pick 2025, reserve role |
| Deshaun Watson | Reserve/PUP | Recovering from double Achilles injury |
The Browns entered 2025 with an unprecedented quarterback logjam featuring four viable options competing for positioning. Joe Flacco began the season as starter while Gabriel served as primary backup and Sanders remained third on the depth chart. The organization drafted both Gabriel in the first round and Sanders in the fifth round during the April 2025 draft, signaling intentions to transform the quarterback room.
By late November, Sanders had leapfrogged Gabriel into the number two position on the depth chart. Stefanski’s decision to name Sanders as permanent starter represents a significant vote of confidence in the young quarterback’s development and potential moving forward despite his inconsistent performances.
Watson’s Contract Complications Amid Organizational Upheaval
The financial implications of Watson’s Achilles injuries remain significant despite his absence from the field. The Browns are locked into a massive contract obligation to the quarterback that extends through 2029, though sources indicate the organization may explore post-June 1 cut options to create salary cap relief. Watson still represents approximately $135 million in guaranteed money remaining after this season.
His inability to play has forced Cleveland to accelerate the development timeline for younger quarterbacks rather than maintain the veteran as a viable option. Sanders and Gabriel both represent investments in the future that will now dominate the quarterback situation indefinitely.
What Comes Next for the Browns at Quarterback as Sanders Takes Command?
The Browns depth chart shift toward youth appears permanent after Stefanski’s commitment to Sanders for the remainder of 2025. The rookie will continue shouldering offensive responsibilities through the final weeks of this season as Cleveland evaluates whether he can develop into a franchise quarterback solution. Sanders took his first regular NFL start on December 14 against Chicago and delivered mixed results including three interceptions in a blowout loss.
Moving forward, the biggest question is whether Sanders can prove he belongs as an NFL starter or if the Browns will need to continue searching for their long-term solution at the position. Watson’s contract situation may force decisions about his future by next offseason that could reshape Cleveland’s quarterback infrastructure entirely.
Sources
- NFL.com – Deshaun Watson injury status and Browns quarterback updates
- ESPN – Shedeur Sanders depth chart and starter designation
- Cleveland Browns Official – Kevin Stefanski’s coaching decisions and roster management
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.