Watson's preseason performance and remarks could sway Browns' quarterback decision

Deshaun Watson's limited showing in the Browns' preseason matchup with the Buffalo Bills and his comments about the crowd's reaction may force head coach Todd Monken to name Shedeur Sanders the starting quarterback. Sanders completed nine of 11 passes for 74 yards, a touchdown and an interception in the first half, while Watson managed five completions on 12 attempts for 36 yards and an interception in the second half.

Watson, who missed the 2024 season and all of 2025 after tearing his right Achilles tendon and suffering a subsequent rupture during rehabilitation, said he felt disrespected by the boos he received on his return to Huntington Bank Field. > "Last time I played on this field, I tore my Achilles, and that same fan base cheered when I got hurt," he told ESPN reporter Daniel Oyefusi. > "It’s a little bit more personal than that. It’s a disrespectful thing."

When asked whether he could overcome the negative reception, Watson said the situation was a daily mental battle and expressed uncertainty about starting at home. > "I feel like I get more love on road games than I do home games. If it is my spot and Coach Monken does make me the starter, maybe it’s 17 away games then. I don’t know," he said, according to Cleveland.com.

Analysts, including Albert Breer and Mike Florio, noted that Watson's performance and remarks could diminish his chances of earning the quarterback role, while ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said the coaching staff would have to weigh the press conference when deciding. The Browns open the 2026 season with two road games, a factor that could influence any early-season quarterback selection.