It appears that an early leader has emerged in the Cleveland Browns quarterback battle.Although given the drama that usually follows the team’s QB room – we can probably expect more twists and turns as the summer goes on.The Browns are facing another quarterback battleGettyFollowing a 5-12 season, and another year without a playoff appearance, the Browns most pressing question once again is who will start under center come Week 1.Veteran Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are the two names at the centre of it all, with Watson returning from an Achilles injury and Sanders the man who ended last season under center.Cleveland also have Dillon Gabriel, who has become more of an afterthought, and sixth-round pick from this year’s draft Taylen Green, who are both seen as outsiders.With voluntary minicamps beginning, QB1 appears to be clear, according to Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot.“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 wrote.The original plan was to have Sanders the first reps in team drills, but Watson’s performance earned him more snaps than anticipated.Cabot noted that Watson outperformed Sanders in decision making, pre-snap processing and overall efficiency in the passing game.The news that Watson currently has the edge is one that has not sat well with Browns fans.“Watson has the lead in what is the worst quarterback competition of all time, what a ******* circus,” one fan expressed his frustration.“Shedeur gotta lock in and stop being so lax about his role,” a second added.Watson has the edge in the quarterback battle, according to Browns reporter Mary Kay CabotGettyCabot’s report also noted that a timeframe for the decision is taking shapeGetty“This is so Cleveland, give the job to a guy who hasn’t played a snap in almost two years when you have a talented rookie sitting behind him,” A third said. Cabot’s report also noted that a time frame for the starter to be named is also taking shape.“Todd Monken hopes to declare — or at least identify — his starter by the end of Browns minicamp June 9-11,” Cabot added.“Meaning Sanders has about six weeks to close the gap and try to overtake the former three-time Pro Bowler.“But he’s got plenty of ground to make up, and will have to dazzle the coaching staff to land atop the depth chart heading into training camp.”Watson’s time in Cleveland has been a rocky one since signing a mammoth five-year, $230 million contract in 2022.Watson did not play a snap in 2025, but has the edge over SandersGettyIt’s a tenure that has been defined more by injuries rather than on-field performance.Watson tore his Achilles tendon in October 2024, and required another surgery after re-rupturing his Achilles, forcing him to miss the entirety of 2025.As for Sanders, after his dramatic slide down the order, he arrived as a fifth-round pick, behind Gabriel when it came to selections and started at the third choice quarterback.Joe Flacco begun the season but was traded, elevating Sanders to QB2 behind Gabriel, but when Gabriel underwhelmed Sanders was given his chance.The former Colorado and Jackson State quarterback started seven games as a rookie, going 3-4 with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, controversially making the Pro Bowl after player withdrawals.His 169 rushing yards and ability to keep plays alive gave Browns fans a different look at the position than they had grown used to.Sanders may have hoped to enter this year’s camps in a different position, but it appears he now finds himself back when he did as a fifth round pick – in a battle for a starting spot.The competition is real and the next few weeks will go a long way in deciding Cleveland’s direction at quarterback.Stay up to date with the latest from the NFL across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for all the news, exclusives, interviews and more.