Browns announce Deshaun Watson as starting quarterback

Cleveland head coach Todd Monken confirmed on Monday that Deshaun QB1 will lead the Browns this season, after the quarterback competition concluded with Watson ahead of Shedeur Sanders, who will serve as the backup. The decision follows a team announcement and reports from NFL insiders.

Watson, who was booed by some fans during his second preseason appearance, said the reception felt personal and noted the team’s first two regular-season games are on the road. He will therefore begin the season leading an offense that starts with 17 away games.

The 2026 season marks the final year of Watson’s fully guaranteed contract, which the Browns have restructured to provide cap relief while adding void years. The team plans a post-June 1 release to spread the dead-money impact.

Cleveland acquired Watson from the Texans in a trade that included three first-round picks and a $230 million commitment. He began his tenure serving a suspension for a personal-conduct policy violation related to alleged sexual misconduct; civil suits were settled without criminal charges.

Owner Jimmy Haslam, who previously called the trade a “big swing and miss,” indicated the competition could help the franchise recoup value from the former first-round pick. Injuries, including a second Achilles tear, have limited Watson to 19 games with the Browns.

"Watson’s post-game comments about feeling disrespected will not affect the QB1 decision," Monken said.

Sanders, a fifth-round pick from Colorado, spent last season on the depth chart before taking over QB1 duties for the final seven games. Monken praised Sanders’ offseason work, noting the team continued to rotate quarterbacks during practice before finalizing the starter for Week 1.