Deshaun Watson named Cleveland
Browns' starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders
[August 25, 2026]
By JOE REEDY
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Not many thought Deshaun Watson had a chance of
reclaiming the starting quarterback job with the Cleveland Browns
over the past 22 months.
Since Watson ruptured his right Achilles tendon the first time in a
Week 7 game in 2024, owner Jimmy Haslam had said during last year’s
owners' meetings that the Browns “took a big swing and miss” when
they sent three first-round picks to Houston for the controversial
quarterback in 2022.
After Shedeur Sanders had a solid first half in last Saturday's 31-7
loss to Buffalo, a frustrated Watson said the boos from the crowd
were “personal” and showed “disrespect” after he took the field in
Cleveland for the first time in 22 months.
Despite the hurdles and a close competition with Sanders, Watson
will be the Browns' starting quarterback for their Sept. 13 opener
at the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Coach Todd Monken made the announcement Monday after informing
Watson and Sanders.
“I took in the full body of work over the course of the offseason to
training camp to the games, the joint practice, and ultimately felt
like to start the season on the road, Deshaun gave us the best
chance to move the ball and score points. I mean, that’s really what
it’s about,” Monken said. “I felt that way going into the last game,
but wasn’t sure. And after we talked as a staff and we re-looked at
everything, we’re going to go that direction.”
Watson, a 10-year veteran, split reps with Sanders with the first
unit throughout the offseason, training camp and the preseason.
The decision to start him will not be popular with Browns fans, who
have booed Watson repeatedly during his time in Cleveland, and have
put a lot of support behind Sanders since he was drafted last year.
Monken reiterated that fan sentiment and Watson’s comments did not
play a role in his decision.
“Ultimately, the fans want us to win. That’s our job as coaches, why
we’re hired to try and put the best product on the field. And when
we don’t, then I understand their frustration. But ultimately they
don’t decide who plays. I mean, who would I be if I let someone
outside of the building decide who plays?” Monken said.
Watson has started only 19 games for Cleveland since being acquired
from Houston and signing a fully guaranteed $230 million contract
that will perhaps go down as one of the worst trades and contracts
in NFL history. He is 9-10 with the Browns, with 19 touchdown
passes, 12 interceptions and an 80.7 passer rating.
In 2022, Watson missed the first 11 games because of a league
suspension resulting from his alleged sexual misconduct during
massage therapy sessions. He made six starts in 2023 before a
season-ending shoulder injury and started seven in 2024 before the
first of two Achilles tendon injuries.
After Monken's announcement, Watson took responsibility for his
comments by saying his emotions got the better of him.
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson speaks at a press
conference after an NFL preseason football game against the Buffalo
Bills, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Carolyn
Kaster)
“I’m not a big talker anyway. I think people that
know me and around the organization, I just felt like it was what
was on my heart,” he said. “It was never intended to go at a certain
person, fan base or a certain crowd. It was just, this is how I
feel. And once I got it off my chest, I felt better and now I can
move forward from it.”
Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards and directed two
scoring drives working with other starters and the second team
during the first half of the preseason opener at Chicago.
“There’s a lot of things, too, that me and (Monken)
talking personally that we haven’t showcased. We haven’t showcased
my full talent and ability to run in his offense. Being able to run,
getting outside the pocket, being able to do some other QB-driven
stuff. So I’m excited to see what we can cook up, getting ready for
Week 1,” Watson said.
Watson has a 7-1 record against the Jaguars with nine touchdown
passes and three interceptions. His last win with the Browns was an
18-13 victory over Jacksonville on Sept. 15, 2024, during which he
completed 22 of 34 passes for 186 yards.
After facing Jacksonville, the Browns are at Tampa Bay on Sept. 20
to face former quarterback Baker Mayfield, who was released after
Cleveland traded for Watson. The Browns' first home game is Sept. 27
against Carolina.
Sanders has shown steady improvement throughout the offseason. He
started the final seven games of his rookie season, going 3-4 with
seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Sanders went 9 of 11 for 74 yards with a touchdown and interception
during the first half against the Bills last weekend. He completed
his first eight throws before he was picked off by Damar Hamlin on a
pass he threw behind tight end Jermaine Terry.
He was 6 of 11 for 79 yards with an interception in the second half
against the Bears.
Sanders' biggest improvement has been his ability to stand in the
pocket as well as move up when he needs to, along with better
footwork and decision-making.
Even though Sanders will be on the sideline for the opener, he is
likely to start at some point this season.
“I think he has come to understand the long game. What are we really
in this for? What am I in it for? To have the Browns be an
organization that people aspire to be. The long game. Where do we
want to be in the long term?” Monken said.
Watson and Sanders will not play in Thursday's final preseason game
against the New England Patriots. Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen
Green will get the snaps as they compete for the third QB spot.
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