Deshaun Watson has been selected as the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns' regular-season opener, surpassing rookie Shedeur Sanders in the team's quarterback competition. Browns coach Todd Monken and general manager Andrew Berry informed the players of the decision on Monday morning, concluding an offseason-long evaluation that extended into the initial preseason games.
The announcement comes after Watson was notably booed by the home crowd at Huntington Bank Field during a recent game. Following the outing, Watson publicly addressed the reception, calling the fan reaction "personal" and "disrespectful," and suggesting he anticipated playing "17 away games" if he secured the starting role.
Despite these public comments and the fan reception, a source confirmed that Watson's remarks were not a factor in the team's decision. The coaching staff's primary reasoning for selecting Watson was his greater experience and readiness to face NFL defenses.
Watson's tenure with the Browns has been marked by on-field struggles, a suspension for violating the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy, and injuries. Since joining the team, he has thrown 19 touchdown passes in 19 games, a performance that has not met the high expectations set when the Browns traded significant draft capital and signed him to a $230 million contract.
While Watson will start the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13, the team has not offered guarantees beyond that game. The organization reserves the right to pivot to Sanders if Watson's performance is unsatisfactory. Sanders, who had a higher completion percentage but one more interception than Watson during the competition, has been advised by the coaching staff to remain ready.
Watson has an opportunity to begin rewarding the Browns' investment with the start of the 2026 season. The alternative for him, according to reports, would have been a potential outright release from the team.