Browns Name Deshaun Watson Starting QB for 2026 Season

The Cleveland Browns have named Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback for the 2026 NFL season, ending a months-long competition with second-year player Shedeur Sanders. Head coach Todd Monken announced the decision on Monday, August 24, confirming that Watson will lead the offense when the team opens its regular season on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13.

Monken explained that the choice was based on a comprehensive evaluation of the offseason. "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. He emphasized that Watson's experience was a key factor in the decision.

The announcement concluded a competition that began in the spring. Watson, who is entering the final year of a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract signed in 2022, has played only 19 games for Cleveland over the past four seasons due to suspensions and injuries. He missed the entire 2025 season recovering from two Achilles surgeries. In his time with the Browns, he holds a...