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Browns commit to Deshaun Watson as starter despite criticism

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 25, 2026, 1:47 AM

Last updated Aug 25, 2026

Browns commit to Deshaun Watson as starter despite criticism

Summary

The Cleveland Browns named Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback for Week 1 of the 2026 season. Jason Lloyd of The Athletic criticized this decision, calling the relationship between Watson and the team a 'toxic marriage' and suggesting Shedeur Sanders would be a better option. Lloyd highlighted concerns over Watson's performance and a missed opportunity to move on after his Achilles injury in October 2024, suggesting the organization is hesitant to acknowledge past mistakes. Browns head coach Todd Monken defended the choice, asserting that Watson gives the team the best chance to score despite a lackluster preseason performance.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Deshaun Watson named Week 1 starter for 2026 season.
•Jason Lloyd criticizes Browns’ continued commitment to Watson.
•Lloyd suggests Shedeur Sanders is a better choice for the team.
•Monken claims Watson provides the best chance to score points.
•Watson faced scrutiny for performance after missing 2025 season.

Latest Updates

1:47 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Not an NFL Quarterback Anymore’ — NFL Reporter Exposes Browns’ ‘Toxic Marriage’ With Deshaun Watson

What they're saying

"
Jason Lloyd has seen enough of the Cleveland Browns’ Deshaun Watson experiment. The Athletic writer argued Monday that Cleveland should have moved on from Watson long ago, and that Shedeur Sanders would be the better choice for the 2026 season, calling the organization’s continued commitment to Watson a “toxic marriage.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Cleveland Browns NFL Football