Retired NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has predicted that Cleveland Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson will “fail” this season, suggesting that backup Shedeur Sanders will eventually take over and be embraced by the fanbase.
Fitzpatrick, now an analyst for Prime Video's Thursday Night Football, voiced his opinion during the broadcast of the Browns' preseason finale against the New England Patriots on August 27, 2026. Coach Todd Monken had announced earlier that week that Watson would be the team's starter for the upcoming season.
"I also think this is set up here for Shedeur," Fitzpatrick stated during the third quarter of the game. "I mean, Deshaun, once he fails, Shedeur is going to jump into this thing, and he's going to be the guy — and this city is going to be behind him."
When pressed by fellow analyst Kirk Herbstreit if he truly believed Watson would fail, Fitzpatrick responded, "Yeah. It's gonna happen."
Fitzpatrick also indicated that he believes other quarterbacks, Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green, would see playing time. Gabriel started the game, completing 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns in the first half. Green played the second half, accumulating 27 passing yards and 66 rushing yards.
Watson, who is working to regain the trust of the Cleveland fanbase after a re-ruptured Achilles tendon in January 2025, has faced scrutiny. He was booed by home fans during a preseason loss to Buffalo on August 22, 2026, where he completed 5 of 12 passes for 35 yards and threw an interception.
Following the booing incident, Watson initially called the fans' reaction “personal” and “disrespectful” in postgame comments. However, he later apologized during a press conference on August 25, 2026, stating that his emotions got the best of him and his comments were not intended to target the fans. Watson acknowledged the team's significant investment in him since his arrival in 2022 and expressed understanding of the fans' frustration due to the team's struggles and his own performance.
"I understand the frustration. I understand everything that kind of goes into that," Watson said. "And moving forward, I just want to focus on football, making sure that I’m putting the best product out there, having the best ability, because I thrive off the energy. I thrive off the energy of the fans. I thrive off the energy of the community. I thrive off all that stuff."
Cleveland acquired Watson in March 2022 on a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract, following numerous accusations of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage sessions. The Browns are scheduled to begin their regular season on the road against Jacksonville, followed by a trip to Tampa Bay, with their home opener against the Carolina Panthers in Week 3.