Browns Name Deshaun Watson Starting Quarterback for 2026 Season

The Cleveland Browns have named Deshaun Watson their starting quarterback for the 2026 NFL season opener, a decision announced on Monday, August 24. Watson will lead the team when it faces the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road on September 13. The choice concludes a preseason competition with second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders, despite Sanders posting superior statistical grades during the exhibition period. According to multiple reports, head coach Todd Monken informed the team of the decision on Monday. The move designates Watson, who is entering the final year of a five-year, $230 million contract signed in 2022, as the starter over Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Taylen Green.