Event
The Cleveland Browns have selected Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback for the 2026 season, edging out second-year player Shedeur Sanders. The decision was made despite Watson's struggles in the second preseason game, where he completed five of 12 passes for 35 yards and one interception. Watson, who returned from a torn Achilles tendon, faced boos from fans during his first home game since his injury recovery, which he described as "disrespectful." Coach Todd Monken stated that Watson's comments would not influence the decision, citing his competitive nature and work ethic. The Browns begin their season on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
2 published stories · cleveland-browns · source reliability 33%
Cleveland’s decision to retain Watson over Shedeur Sanders follows a contentious preseason and raises questions about the franchise’s long-term quarterback strategy.
Background
The Cleveland Browns have confirmed Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback for the 2026 season, selecting him over second-year player Shedeur Sanders. This decision follows a competition spanning the offseason and the first two preseason games. Watson’s selection comes despite a poor performance in the second preseason game, where he completed five of 12 passes for 35 yards and one interception. Head coach Todd Monken cited Watson’s competitive nature and work ethic as key factors, stating that Watson’s recent comments describing home crowd boos as “disrespectful” would not influence the final decision. Watson’s tenure in Cleveland has been marked by injury, including a torn Achilles tendon in 2024, and legal issues, including an 11-game suspension and a $5 million fine.
The Cleveland Browns have confirmed Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback for the 2026 season, selecting him over second-year player Shedeur Sanders. This decision follows a competition spanning the offseason and the first two preseason games. Watson’s selection comes desp
Fact cards
Key entities: Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns, Todd Monken, Jacksonville Jaguars.
Who is the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback for the 2026 season? Deshaun Watson. Why did the Browns select Watson over Shedeur Sanders? Coach Todd Monken cited Watson’s competitive nature and work ethic, despite Watson’s struggles in the second preseason game. How did Watso
ESPN | https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49711613/sources-browns-tab-deshaun-watson-not-shedeur-sanders-qb1 | published 2026-08-24T16:23:39.000Z | primary source | ESPN | https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49705127/browns-monken-watson-comments-not-factor-qb-decision | publish
2022-03: Watson acquired from the Houston Texans in a trade involving three first-round picks and a five-year, $230 million contract. 2024: Watson’s season ended due to a torn Achilles tendon. 2025: Shedeur Sanders drafted in the fifth round. 2026-08-24: Browns name Watson as the
Timeline
Watson acquired from the Houston Texans in a trade involving three first-round picks and a five-year, $230 million contract.
Watson’s season ended due to a torn Achilles tendon.
Shedeur Sanders drafted in the fifth round.
Browns name Watson as the Week 1 starter against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
FAQ
Deshaun Watson.
Coach Todd Monken cited Watson’s competitive nature and work ethic, despite Watson’s struggles in the second preseason game.
He completed five of 12 passes for 35 yards and one interception.
A road game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.