Monken to decide Browns quarterback based on "full body of work"

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken stated on Sunday that he anticipates naming a starting quarterback between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders on Monday. Monken emphasised that the decision will be based on the "full body of work" of both players, rather than a single frustrating moment following the team's recent preseason performance.

The comments come after Watson described boos from the home crowd as "disrespectful" during the Browns' 31-7 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills. Watson, who was booed throughout his first home game since tearing his right Achilles tendon in October 2024, noted that the same fan base had cheered when he was injured. He completed five of 12 passes for 35 yards and an interception during the second half of that game.

Monken acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment, stating that Watson "emptied his heart" and that the situation "can get all of us." The coach noted that he sees the competitor in Watson and the everyday work he puts in to return to his previous form. Monken said he is not concerned about the team's home-field advantage under Watson, despite Watson's reference to playing in 17 away games if named the starter.

The quarterback competition has been ongoing since the offseason, with Watson and Sanders splitting first-team reps in practice. Watson started the first half of the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears, while Sanders started the first half against the Bills. Monken indicated that the decision will ultimately come down to who gives the team the best chance to win Week 1.

Watson has been a polarising figure in Cleveland since the Browns traded three first-round picks to the Houston Texans in March 2022 to acquire him. He signed a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract following more than two dozen women accusing him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct. Two Texas grand juries declined to pursue criminal charges a week before the trade, but Watson served an 11-game suspension and paid a $5 million fine to begin his tenure with the Browns.

Since joining the team, Watson has missed significant time due to injuries, including the entire 2025 season following two surgeries for his Achilles injury. He has posted a 33.1 Total QBR, which would rank last if he had enough starts to qualify, and has been limited to 19 games due to suspensions and injuries.