Cleveland Browns announce Deshaun Watson as starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 6:51 AM
Last updated Aug 27, 2026
The Cleveland Browns have named Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback for the 2026 season, opting against Shedeur Sanders amid ongoing QB1 competition. Watson's controversial past comments about fans have intensified scrutiny over the decision. Analyst Jason Whitlock criticized Sanders' media presence during the preseason, suggesting it contributed to the distraction surrounding the team. Sanders, coming off a rookie season with limited starts, is now positioned as a backup. This decision risks alienating Browns fans already unsettled by Watson's previous statements.
- •Browns confirm Deshaun Watson as starting QB for 2026 season
- •Shedeur Sanders emerging as a backup following previous preseason hype
- •Watson's prior comments have drawn negative fan feedback
- •Analyst Jason Whitlock critiques media focus on Sanders
- •Sanders had a challenging rookie season with low impact scores
- 6:51 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Straight Up Lying’ — Ex-NFL DT Fires Back at Reports Claiming Browns Locker Room Wanted Shedeur Sanders Over Deshaun Watson
- 12:50 AMYahoo Sports — ‘He’s That Much Of a Distraction’ — Jason Whitlock Rails Against Browns Star Shedeur Sanders’ ‘Circus’
"One of the top storylines of the 2026 NFL preseason was the Cleveland Browns’ QB1 competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. After Watson’s incendiary comments about Browns fans, it seemed like Sanders had a chance to earn the starting job.
"One of the most anticipated storylines of this offseason was the QB1 battle for the Cleveland Browns between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. Stretching over the summer, fans got a surprising answer after the second week of preseason.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 27, 2026, 6:51 AM‘Straight Up Lying’ — Ex-NFL DT Fires Back at Reports Claiming Browns Locker Room Wanted Shedeur Sanders Over Deshaun Watson
One of the most anticipated storylines of this offseason was the QB1 battle for the Cleveland Browns between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. Stretching over the summer, fans got a surprising answer after the second week of preseason.
- Yahoo SportsAug 26, 2026, 12:50 AM‘He’s That Much Of a Distraction’ — Jason Whitlock Rails Against Browns Star Shedeur Sanders’ ‘Circus’
One of the top storylines of the 2026 NFL preseason was the Cleveland Browns’ QB1 competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. After Watson’s incendiary comments about Browns fans, it seemed like Sanders had a chance to earn the starting job.
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