Ryan Fitzpatrick didn't mince words while discussing the quarterback situation in Cleveland during Prime Video's coverage of the Browns' 37-13 win over the Patriots in their preseason finale Thursday night.
The retired quarterback-turned-analyst predicted that Deshaun Watson — who coach Todd Monken announced Monday will enter the season as the starting quarterback — will "fail" and backup Shedeur Sanders will be embraced by the fanbase.
"I also think this is set up here for Shedeur," Fitzpatrick, who was a 17-year journeyman in the NFL, said during the third quarter at Huntington Bank Field.
Thursday Night Football analyst Ryan Fitzpatrick talks with Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken before a preseason game against the New England Patriots at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio, on Aug. 27, 2026. Getty Images
"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."
Prime Video's color analyst, Kirk Herbstreit asked, "You think he'll fail?"
Fitzpatrick — who was seen talking and laughing with Monken before the game — explained that he believes Sanders and Dillon Gabriel will get playing time.
"Yeah. It's gonna happen. Shedeur is playing this year … I think [Dillon] Gabriel is going to have a chance to play as well," Fitzpatrick said. "This is such a young roster with a lot of changing parts and a lot of new guys, so they're going to struggle on offense this year. "
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, August 27, 2026, in Cleveland. AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
Gabriel started the game for the Browns and played the first half, finishing 12 for 15 for 186 yards and three touchdowns.
QB Taylen Green played the second half, ending with 27 passing yards and 66 rushing yards.
Watson snapped photos and signed autographs for fans on the sideline.
L-R) Charissa Thompson, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Andrew Whitworth on the Prime Video broadcast before a preseason game between the Cleveland Browns and the New England Patriots at Huntington Bank Field. Getty Images
Watson, who is returning from a re-ruptured Achilles tendon in January 2025, is trying to win back the Cleveland fanbase after he was booed at home in Saturday's 31-7 preseason loss to Buffalo.
He completed 5 of 12 passes for 35 yards and one interception over four second-half drives.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders holds his helmet before a preseason NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, August 27, 2026, in Cleveland. AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
In his postgame comments, Watson said the boos were "personal" and called the fans "disrespectful."
Watson apologized for his remarks Monday.
"I thought I was going to get a little different response," Watson said. "But I think my emotions got the best of me. My comments wasn't intending to go at any of the fans around in the city, because there's been a lot of great fans that have been supporting me. And I know the frustration.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) takes a picture with fans prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio, on Thursday, August 27, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
"This organization has put a lot of investment in coming to get me back in '22, and things haven't been going the right direction that we thought it was. A lot of injuries, a lot of time off, and not putting the best football and my foot forward.
"I understand the frustration. I understand everything that kind of goes into that. 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."
Cleveand gave Watson a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract in March 2022 after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage sessions.
The Browns start the regular season on the road at Jacksonville and then Tampa Bay before their home opener against the Carolina Panthers in Week 3.
