Browns name Deshaun Watson starting quarterback for regular season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 30, 2026, 6:00 PM
Last updated Aug 30, 2026
The Cleveland Browns have named Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Head coach Todd Monken based the decision on performance during the offseason, training camp, and preseason practices. During the preseason, Watson completed 16 of 27 passes for 162 yards with one interception, while Shedeur Sanders finished 15 of 22 for 153 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Analyst Nick Pedone expressed concern regarding the decision, suggesting that if the team pivots to Sanders after multiple losses, the lack of first-team practice reps could leave the backup unprepared. The Browns open their schedule with road games against Jacksonville and Tampa Bay before hosting Carolina and Pittsburgh. Critics of the decision argue that the organization is creating a difficult situation for Sanders should he be forced to replace Watson later in the year.
- •Todd Monken named Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback for the regular season.
- •Deshaun Watson recorded 162 passing yards and one interception throughout the preseason.
- •Shedeur Sanders completed 15 of 22 passes with one touchdown during preseason action.
- •The Browns begin their schedule with games against Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, Carolina, and Pittsburgh.
- •Analysts noted concerns regarding the limited practice repetitions available for Shedeur Sanders as a backup.
- 6:00 PMYahoo Sports — ‘What a Mess’ — Browns Analyst Slams ‘Unfair’ Expectation for Shedeur Sanders After Deshaun Watson Becomes QB1
"The Cleveland Browns finally settled their quarterback competition, but naming Deshaun Watson the starter did not end the debate. For Nick Pedone, it may have created a new problem for Shedeur Sanders instead.
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