Deshaun Watson's Backup Battle: Sanders Joins Browns' QB Room

David

3 min read

Post on May 12, 2025

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Deshaun Watson's Backup Battle Heats Up: Joshua Dobbs and Kellen Mond Face New Competition from P.J. Walker

The Cleveland Browns' quarterback room just got a whole lot more interesting. The team's recent signing of veteran quarterback P.J. Walker adds another layer of complexity to the already intriguing battle for the backup position behind franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson. This move throws Joshua Dobbs and Kellen Mond into a suddenly more competitive fight for playing time, raising questions about the Browns' strategy and the future of their quarterback depth chart.

The Contenders:

• Deshaun Watson: The undisputed starter, Watson's return from suspension is a focal point for the Browns. His performance will dictate the team's success, but the quality of his backup is crucial for mitigating risk. The pressure is on for his understudies to prove their worth.

• Joshua Dobbs: Dobbs, acquired last season, showed flashes of potential in limited action. His experience and familiarity with the system give him an advantage. However, Walker's arrival presents a direct challenge to his position. Can Dobbs solidify his place as the QB2 or will he be overtaken?

• Kellen Mond: Mond, a former third-round pick, is still developing. While possessing significant physical tools, he needs consistent performance to prove he deserves a roster spot. The addition of Walker significantly increases the pressure on Mond to demonstrate improvement.

• P.J. Walker: The newcomer enters the fray with NFL experience, including starts for the Carolina Panthers. His familiarity with head coach Kevin Stefanski's offensive system from their time together in Carolina provides a potential edge. Walker’s proven ability in a starting role presents a serious threat to both Dobbs and Mond.

Why the Browns Added Walker:

The signing of Walker suggests the Browns are seeking a more experienced and proven backup. While Dobbs has shown promise, the team may feel he lacks the consistent reliability needed to lead the offense in an emergency. Mond, despite his talent, is still unproven at the NFL level. Walker offers a level of assurance and experience that neither Dobbs nor Mond currently possess. This signifies a strategic shift towards prioritizing proven veteran leadership behind Watson.

Impact on the Browns' Season:

The quarterback competition will significantly impact the Browns' season, particularly if Watson suffers an injury. The quality of the backup significantly affects the team's ability to maintain competitiveness. The battle for the backup role is not just an internal competition; it’s a strategic move that could influence the Browns’ playoff hopes.

Looking Ahead:

The Browns' training camp will be crucial in determining the hierarchy within the quarterback room. Preseason games will offer valuable opportunities for Dobbs, Mond, and Walker to showcase their skills and compete for the backup position. The competition promises to be fierce, providing a captivating storyline for Browns fans and NFL observers alike. Ultimately, the decision will hinge on consistency, performance under pressure, and familiarity with the Browns' offensive scheme. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining who emerges as Deshaun Watson's top backup.

Keywords: Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns, Joshua Dobbs, Kellen Mond, P.J. Walker, NFL, quarterback, backup quarterback, training camp, preseason, NFL news, Browns news, NFL roster, NFL quarterback battle.