Deshaun Watson Named Browns' Starting QB Over Shedeur Sanders

Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken announced Monday that Deshaun Watson will be the team's starting quarterback for the season opener on September 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, beating out second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders for the job.

"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," 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."

The decision caps a difficult stretch for Watson, who ruptured his right Achilles tendon in a Week 7 game in 2024 and has been booed repeatedly by Browns fans. After Sanders had a strong first half in last Saturday's 31-7 preseason loss to Buffalo, Watson said the crowd's boos felt "personal" and showed "disrespect." On Monday, he said his emotions had gotten the better of him and that his comments were not directed at any particular fan or group.

Monken said fan sentiment and Watson's remarks played no role in the 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," he said. "But ultimately they don't decide who plays."

Watson, a 10-year veteran, is 9-10 as Cleveland's starter since arriving in a 2022 trade that sent three first-round picks to Houston, with 19 touchdown passes, 12 interceptions and an 80.7 passer rating. He has a 7-1 career record against Jacksonville.

Sanders, drafted last year, started the final seven games of his rookie season and has shown steady improvement in pocket presence and decision-making. Monken indicated Sanders is likely to start at some point this season. "I think he has come to understand the long game," Monken said.

Watson and Sanders will not play in Thursday's preseason finale against the New England Patriots, with Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green competing for the third quarterback spot.