Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken announced Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback for the team's Week 1 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, August 24, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Watson secured the role over Shedeur Sanders following a competitive offseason and preseason that tested both quarterbacks [2, 4, 3].
Watson's last NFL game before this upcoming start was on October 10, 2024, before he re-tore his Achilles tendon in January 2025 and missed the entire 2025 season [2]. Despite a poor performance in the Browns' preseason Week 2 home game on August 22, 2026, which drew boos from fans, Monken still chose Watson to lead the offense in the season opener [2, 4, 3]. "Took in the full body of work over the course of offseason to training camp to the games and 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 [1].
Watson described the boos from the fans as "personal" and "disrespectful," telling reporters, "I think the whole world knows it has nothing to do about the performance. It's a little bit more personal than that" [2]. He added, "Last time I played on this field, I tore my Achilles. That same fan base, they cheered when I got hurt. What does that have to do with anything about performance?" [4]. He also pointed out his tough schedule saying, "If I won the starting job, I would be playing '17 away games'." [3]
Shedeur Sanders had better statistical numbers in the preseason but did not win the starting role, largely due to Watson's experience and scheme familiarity [4, 3]. However, some sources view the decision differently. While Monken cited Watson's readiness, others argue the choice is flawed considering Watson's recent poor play and off-field issues [4].
Watson's contract with the Browns is a fully guaranteed $230 million deal over five years, signed in 2022. Yet, it contains a clause requiring the Browns to release him by March 13, 2027, to avoid activating a fully guaranteed $200 million salary in 2029 [5]. This contract and the Browns’ 2022 trade— which gave up multiple first-round picks plus a third and two fourth-round picks—have made Watson one of the worst trade acquisitions in major pro sports history, according to critics [2, 4, 5].
The Browns will proceed with Watson as the starter when they face the Jaguars in their 2026 season opener, marking his first NFL start since October 2024. The team must decide on his future contract status by March 13, 2027, to avoid significant roster and salary cap implications [5].
