Browns confirm Deshaun Watson as starting QB for season opener
7 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 11:10 PM
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
Deshaun Watson will be the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns in their season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13. Coach Todd Monken announced the decision on August 24, disregarding any impact from Watson's recent comments after a preseason game. Watson faced boos during the matchup against the Buffalo Bills, where he struggled with five completions out of 12 attempts and an interception. Monken affirmed that the choice was based on Watson's experience and potential to lead the team effectively.
- •Watson opens season as starting QB for Browns.
- •Browns play Jaguars on September 13.
- •Watson received boos in a recent preseason game.
- •Monken stood by Watson despite recent criticisms.
- •Watson entering the final season of his guaranteed contract.
- 11:10 PMAssociated Press — Deshaun Watson named Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders - AP News
- 4:39 PMYahoo Sports — Door is open for Shedeur Sanders to be a factor down the stretch
- 3:05 PMESPN — Sources: Browns tab Watson, not Sanders, QB1
- 2:30 PMYahoo Sports — Jaguars will face Deshaun Watson, Browns starting QB, in season opener
- 2:00 PMYahoo Sports — Browns name Deshaun Watson starting QB for opener over Shedeur Sanders
"Deshaun Watson has won the competition for the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback job ahead of the Sept. 13 opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Coach Todd Monken made the announcement after informing Watson and Shedeur Sanders. Watson, a 10-year vete…
"NFL insider Albert Breer revealed why the Browns named Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback, while also providing an updating on Shedeur Sanders.
"Deshaun Watson will open the season as the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Sources
External links- Associated PressAug 24, 2026, 11:10 PMDeshaun Watson named Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders - AP News
Deshaun Watson has won the competition for the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback job ahead of the Sept. 13 opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Coach Todd Monken made the announcement after informing Watson and Shedeur Sanders. Watson, a 10-year vete…
- Yahoo SportsAug 24, 2026, 4:39 PMDoor is open for Shedeur Sanders to be a factor down the stretch
NFL insider Albert Breer revealed why the Browns named Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback, while also providing an updating on Shedeur Sanders.
- ESPNAug 24, 2026, 3:05 PMSources: Browns tab Watson, not Sanders, QB1
Deshaun Watson will open the season as the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
- Yahoo SportsAug 24, 2026, 2:30 PMJaguars will face Deshaun Watson, Browns starting QB, in season opener
The Jacksonville Jaguars will open the 2026 NFL season at home against ... Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns.
- Yahoo SportsAug 24, 2026, 2:00 PMBrowns name Deshaun Watson starting QB for opener over Shedeur Sanders
Deshaun Watson has been named the Browns starting quarterback for the season opener in Jacksonville.
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