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| Deshaun Watson in 2022 during a game against the Houston Texans. (Photo: Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) |
BEREA, Ohio -- Browns head coach Todd Monken announces Deshaun Watson as the starter moving forward, with Shedeur Sanders as the backup.
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," said Monken to ESPN.
Watson, Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Taylen Green were the quarterbacks on the preseason roster.
He won the starting position over those guys and will not play in the Browns' last preseason game against the Patriots on Thursday, August 27.
Watson completed 16 of 27 passes for 162 yards, with 0 touchdowns and 2 turnovers (fumble, interception) against the Bears and the Bills.
This week, during a press conference, Watson talked about his displeasure with being booed by the Cleveland fans, saying they were "disrespectful" and it was "personal". "I think the whole world knows it has nothing to do about the performance," Watson said during the Saturday press conference.
#Browns QB Deshaun Watson on being booed by fans today.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) August 22, 2026
"It has nothing to do about the performance. It's a little bit [more] personal than that. It's a disrespectful thing."
"Last time I played on this field, I tore my Achilles. And that same fan base cheered when I got hurt." pic.twitter.com/yB1g0OznZf
He has since apologized during his first news conference after being named the starter, "I thought I was going to get a little different response," Watson said, "but I think my comments got the best of me. My comments wasn't intended to go at any of the fans around in the city, because there's been a lot of great fans that have been supporting me."
#Browns Deshaun Watson apologizes for his postgame remarks, saying he’s human. Wants to win for the fans: pic.twitter.com/LXbIvkPgdO
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 24, 2026
Since becoming a member of the Browns, Watson has recorded a QBR of 33.1. He is set to start on September 13 against the Carolina Panthers, having not played since October 20, 2024, when he sustained a season-ending rupture of his Achilles tendon.
He is scheduled to make his return on September 13 against the Carolina Panthers, following a hiatus since October 20, 2024, when he suffered a season-ending rupture of his Achilles tendon.
Todd Monken went on to say about the fans' input, "They don't decide who plays, I mean, who would I be if I let someone else outside of the building decides who plays."
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