Cleveland names Deshaun Watson starting QB amid competition questions
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 6:24 AM
Last updated Aug 28, 2026
Cleveland Browns named Deshaun Watson their starting quarterback for the 2026 season, despite questions about the authenticity of the competition against Shedeur Sanders. Watson played poorly in his recent preseason outing, completing 5 of 12 passes for 35 yards with an interception. Sanders, who had a strong performance in the second preseason game with 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown, will serve as the backup. Former player Emmanuel Acho claims the competition was a facade to appease Sanders' supporters. Browns head coach Todd Monken defended the decision, citing Watson's overall prowess in training camp and joint practices, despite ongoing fan discontent.
- •Deshaun Watson announced as Browns' starting QB.
- •Shedeur Sanders relegated to backup despite strong preseason play.
- •Emmanuel Acho questions legitimacy of quarterback competition.
- •Watson struggled in his last preseason game with an interception.
- •Browns coach defends Watson's appointment due to his experience.
- 6:24 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Making a Mockery of Browns’ QB Competition’ — Ex-NFL Star Takes Dig at Cleveland for Favoring Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson Over Dillon Gabriel
- 8:31 AMYahoo Sports — ‘A Facade, a Charade’ — Emmanuel Acho Accuses Browns of Faking Deshaun Watson-Shedeur Sanders QB Competition to Avoid Backlash
"The Cleveland Browns thought they had settled their quarterback picture heading into the 2026 season. Deshaun Watson will start, while Shedeur Sanders is expected to back him up, but Dillon Gabriel has made the decision harder to ignore.
"Deshaun Watson will open the 2026 season as the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback. He ultimately beat Shedeur Sanders in a battle that began during the team’s offseason workout program.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 6:24 AM‘Making a Mockery of Browns’ QB Competition’ — Ex-NFL Star Takes Dig at Cleveland for Favoring Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson Over Dillon Gabriel
The Cleveland Browns thought they had settled their quarterback picture heading into the 2026 season. Deshaun Watson will start, while Shedeur Sanders is expected to back him up, but Dillon Gabriel has made the decision harder to ignore.
- Yahoo SportsAug 25, 2026, 8:31 AM‘A Facade, a Charade’ — Emmanuel Acho Accuses Browns of Faking Deshaun Watson-Shedeur Sanders QB Competition to Avoid Backlash
Deshaun Watson will open the 2026 season as the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback. He ultimately beat Shedeur Sanders in a battle that began during the team’s offseason workout program.
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