Browns name Deshaun Watson starting QB over Shedeur Sanders for Week 1
7 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 25, 2026, 3:17 AM
Last updated Aug 25, 2026
The Cleveland Browns have selected Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback for the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, ending a competition with Shedeur Sanders. Watson's performance during the preseason was underwhelming, completing 16 of 27 passes for 162 yards, with one interception. This decision comes after Watson faced criticism from fans, which he addressed as personal. With two games scheduled on the road before their home opener, Watson will have time to address the fan sentiment before their first home crowd response.
- •Watson last played in October 2024 due to Achilles injuries.
- •He faced significant criticism after a poor preseason showing against Buffalo.
- •Browns took Watson over Sanders despite uneven preseason from both quarterbacks.
- •Cleveland's first two games are on the road before returning home.
- •Watson has a 9-10 record in 19 games since joining Cleveland.
- 3:17 AMYahoo Sports — Browns make final decision on Shedeur Sanders they could not afford
- 4:23 PMESPN — Browns turn back to Deshaun Watson with Shedeur Sanders -- and the 2027 draft class -- lurking
- 2:12 PMCBS NFL — Browns name Deshaun Watson starter days after he called out fans: Veteran QB beats out Shedeur Sanders
- 2:04 PMYahoo Sports — Browns name Deshaun Watson their starting QB over Shedeur Sanders
- 2:00 PMYahoo Sports — Browns reportedly name Deshaun Watson their starting QB for Week 1 after battle with Shedeur Sanders
"Cleveland is giving Watson another opportunity in the final year of his contract after he missed the entire 2025 season recovering from Achilles injuries
"Cleveland's quest to answer the franchise's quarterback quandary brings them back to a 30-year-old who faces enormous pressure to succeed.
"Cleveland named Deshaun Watson QB1 for Week 1, ending the AFC North’s only starting quarterback competition
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 25, 2026, 3:17 AMBrowns make final decision on Shedeur Sanders they could not afford
Despite a stellar preseason from Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland is sticking with Deshaun Watson.
- ESPNAug 24, 2026, 4:23 PMBrowns turn back to Deshaun Watson with Shedeur Sanders -- and the 2027 draft class -- lurking
Cleveland's quest to answer the franchise's quarterback quandary brings them back to a 30-year-old who faces enormous pressure to succeed.
- CBS NFLAug 24, 2026, 2:12 PMBrowns name Deshaun Watson starter days after he called out fans: Veteran QB beats out Shedeur Sanders
Cleveland is giving Watson another opportunity in the final year of his contract after he missed the entire 2025 season recovering from Achilles injuries
- Yahoo SportsAug 24, 2026, 2:04 PMBrowns name Deshaun Watson their starting QB over Shedeur Sanders
Cleveland named Deshaun Watson QB1 for Week 1, ending the AFC North’s only starting quarterback competition
- Yahoo SportsAug 24, 2026, 2:00 PMBrowns reportedly name Deshaun Watson their starting QB for Week 1 after battle with Shedeur Sanders
Deshaun Watson, after multiple Achilles injuries, is now in line to start his first game since 2024.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
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