Cleveland Browns criticized over Watson contract and ownership decisions

The New York Times • 25 Aug 09:00

Fans and commentators have intensified scrutiny of the Browns' handling of quarterback Deshaun Watson, questioning the team's $230 million deal and the role of owners and executives in the acquisition.

NFL Rumors - ProFootballRumors.com • 25 Aug 05:08

The Cleveland Browns have named Deshaun Watson the starter for the 2026 season, ending the preseason quarterback competition with Shedeur Sanders as the backup.

AP News • 24 Aug 23:10

Cleveland head coach Todd Monken announced that veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson will start the season opener against Jacksonville, ending a competition with rookie Shedeur Sanders.

NBC Sports • 24 Aug 17:05

Quarterback Deshaun Watson said his reaction to being booed at a preseason game was emotional and pledged to focus on football as Cleveland's starter.

CBS Sports • 24 Aug 16:59

Cleveland head coach Todd Monken confirmed Deshaun Watson will start against Jacksonville, choosing him over rookie Shedeur Sanders for the first game of the 2025 season.

The New York Times • 24 Aug 16:09

Cleveland's new head coach Todd Monken named Deshaun Watson the starter over Shedeur Sanders for the first game of the 2026 season, citing Watson's experience despite recent fan backlash.

NBC Sports • 24 Aug 14:18

The Cleveland Browns announced that quarterback Deshaun Watson will be the starter for Week 1, with coach Todd Monken saying the team will evaluate his performance during the first two road games.

The New York Times • 24 Aug 10:00

Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken will announce the starting quarterback after preseason performances, with Deshaun Watson drawing boos and criticism amid ongoing legal and performance issues.

The New York Times • 24 Aug 09:30

The second weekend of NFL preseason games saw several quarterbacks deliver strong showings, while others, notably Deshaun Watson, struggled amid fan disapproval. Backup and emerging QBs across the league provided key insights into roster decisions ahead of the regular season.

Sports Illustrated • 24 Aug 09:30

Cleveland head coach Todd Monken is expected to name a starting quarterback on Monday, with Deshaun Watson's recent game and his response to fan boos influencing the choice.

NBC Sports • 23 Aug 23:34

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken is expected to reveal the team's starting quarterback on Monday, with speculation that Deshaun Watson could start the first two road games.

CBS Sports • 23 Aug 23:15

In the second week of NFL preseason games, the Cleveland Browns appear set to name Shedeur Sanders as their starter, the New York Jets recorded two takeaways, and several other teams saw notable performances.

FOX Sports • 23 Aug 20:32

Cleveland evaluates whether to retain quarterback Deshaun Watson, whose $230 million contract and on-field results have drawn criticism, as the team plans its roster and salary-cap strategy.

NBC Sports • 23 Aug 19:59

Coach Todd Monken told reporters the Cleveland Browns will name their starting quarterback on Monday, noting that recent comments from Deshaun Watson will not influence the decision.

NFL Rumors - ProFootballRumors.com • 23 Aug 14:17

Deshaun Watson struggled in the Browns' preseason game against the Bills and criticized fan reactions, prompting speculation that head coach Todd Monken may favor Shedeur Sanders as the starter.

NBC News • 23 Aug 14:11

Quarterback Deshaun Watson said the booing he received from Cleveland fans during a preseason defeat was disrespectful and personal, and he questioned whether he can regain fan support.

NBC Sports • 23 Aug 10:33

The Cleveland Browns and quarterback Deshaun Watson appear at odds after recent fan reactions, prompting speculation about a possible separation before the contract expires in 2026.

NBC Sports • 23 Aug 08:43

Cleveland head coach Todd Monken indicated he will review game film on Sunday before deciding the team's starting quarterback, after a poor preseason performance that highlighted execution issues.

Bleacher Report • 23 Aug 03:22

Quarterback Deshaun Watson criticized Cleveland fans for booing him during a preseason game, while coach Todd Monken said better play could improve crowd reaction.

NBC Sports • 22 Aug 23:50

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders said he does not appreciate the boos directed at Deshaun Watson during his first home preseason appearance for the Cleveland Browns, emphasizing respect for all participants.

ESPN • 22 Aug 23:03

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was booed during his first home appearance after returning from an Achilles injury and described the reaction as disrespectful and personal, while the team evaluates its starting quarterback options.

NBC Sports • 22 Aug 21:56

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson dismissed fan boos during a preseason appearance as a personal slight, emphasizing they were not linked to his play.

The New York Times • 22 Aug 21:01

Deshaun Watson was booed multiple times by the home crowd in his first appearance for Cleveland in 22 months, and he said the reaction was disrespectful.

NBC Sports • 22 Aug 20:34

Deshaun Watson was booed by Cleveland fans as he struggled in a preseason game, highlighting the tense reception he may face in the regular season.

CBS Sports • 22 Aug 18:00

Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders completed 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards, a touchdown and an interception in the Browns' preseason matchup, while coach Todd Monken plans to insert Deshaun Watson in the third quarter.

NBC Sports • 18 Aug 13:59

New Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken indicated that the team will limit starters in a joint practice with the Bills, fueling speculation about whether Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders will start at quarterback.

andscape.com • 17 Aug 16:07

The Browns' preseason game featured a split-quarterback appearance by veteran Deshaun Watson and rookie Shedeur Sanders, sparking a competition for the starting role as the team prepares for the regular season.

Dawgs By Nature • 16 Aug 22:41

The Cleveland Browns assessed the play of Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders in their first preseason game, noting ongoing uncertainty at the quarterback position.

247Sports • 16 Aug 20:17

Cleveland used Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel in a 34-10 preseason defeat to Chicago, with Watson accounting for all of the team's points.

NBC Sports • 16 Aug 02:56

Deshaun Watson played his first game in over a year, completing 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards, and may have secured the Browns' starting quarterback position.

NBC Sports • 15 Aug 23:24

Deshaun Watson played the first half of the Browns' game against the Bears, completing 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards, while the team scored ten points, and coach Todd Monken praised his level of play despite some turnovers.

NBC Sports • 15 Aug 20:01

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders threw for 79 yards on 6 of 11 attempts and threw an interception as Cleveland failed to score during his time on the field in the preseason game against Chicago.

NBC Sports • 15 Aug 18:59

Deshaun Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards in the first half of the Browns' preseason game against the Bears, while the team also saw contributions from several rookies.

Dawgs By Nature • 15 Aug 15:31

Cleveland head coach Todd Monken will start quarterback Deshaun Watson in the Browns' preseason opener versus the Chicago Bears, with Shedeur Sanders slated to enter in the third quarter.

NBC Sports • 15 Aug 15:00

The Cleveland Browns will start Deshaun Watson in their preseason game in Chicago, while rookie Shedeur Sanders will open the second preseason matchup at home, highlighting the ongoing quarterback competition.