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. In that game, Watson entered in the second half and completed 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards with one interception. He was booed throughout his appearance, which marked his first home game action since suffering a torn Achilles tendon in October 2024.

After the game, Watson called the fan reaction "disrespectful" and "personal," linking it to cheers he heard from some fans when he was injured in 2024. "Last time I played on this field, I tore my Achilles, and that same fan base, they cheered when I got hurt," Watson said. He suggested the environment could make future home games feel like road...