Offensive coordinator Travis Switzer says he doesn’t see a clear edge between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders in Cleveland’s offseason work, praising both as they progress through OTAs.
For the Browns, the hardest part of the offseason isn’t the playbook — it’s deciding who stands at the center of it.
On Wednesday, offensive coordinator Travis Switzer faced the question that has hovered over Cleveland’s QB search all spring: who has taken the lead, Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders?
“I don’t know that we have somebody who’s ahead,” Switzer told reporters. “We’re pleased with both their progress, and all the guys are doing a nice job.”
In the middle of OTAs, that answer doesn’t narrow the race so much as confirm its uncertainty. Switzer was asked how the competition is going at this point in the Cleveland OTAs, and he leaned on the same theme: movement, comfort, and growth rather than a distinct winner.
“I think that both of those guys and really all of our guys are progressing very well,” he said. “Very pleased in what we’ve seen in the growth. Like I said. a lot of is the familiarity with the system — getting a little more comfortable as we move on. But their progression. just in the short time that we’ve been so far is very encouraging. and we’re excited about that.”.
Then came the closer look at Sanders. Switzer didn’t talk in generalities about the quarterback competition — he pointed to specific areas he believes are improving.
“I’ll only speak to what I’ve seen over the last couple weeks. and his progress has been impressive. ” Switzer said. “Just his ability to move through progressions. His feet are getting more urgent, and he’s ready to throw when he needs to more consistently. We can continue to grow there, but his progress has been impressive.”.
At some point, the Browns will have to pick one quarterback as the starter. Switzer’s comments framed the race as a practical problem, not just a talent evaluation. The sooner it’s decided, the more reps the chosen starter will have to prepare for Week 1.
That’s the challenge in every quarterback competition: it ends eventually. And the longer it takes to end it, the less time the winner has to get ready to play well enough to avoid being benched for the guy who finished in second place.
Browns Travis Switzer Deshaun Watson Shedeur Sanders quarterback competition OTAs Week 1 NFL offseason