Browns Name Deshaun Watson Starting Quarterback for 2026 Opener

The Cleveland Browns have named Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback for the 2026 regular-season opener, a decision announced on Monday, August 24. The choice concludes a preseason competition with Shedeur Sanders and comes just two days after Watson was booed by home fans during a loss to the Buffalo Bills. Watson is set to start when the Browns visit the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13. Head coach Todd Monken informed the team of the decision on Monday morning. The announcement followed the Browns' 31-7 preseason defeat to Buffalo on August 22 at Huntington Bank Field.