Deshaun Watson is named starting quarterback of the Browns
Decision announced by coach after evaluation during training period
Deshaun Watson was confirmed as the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns for the NFL regular‑season opener, according to an announcement by head coach Todd Monken. The decision ends the competition for the spot after a period of evaluations that included inter‑season workouts, joint practice sessions, and preseason games.
The coach's choice and the preseason
During the preparation period, the coaching staff split first‑team snaps between Watson and quarterback Shedeur Sanders. According to Todd Monken, the decision to name Watson the starter took into account the total performance accumulated from practices to games. The coach said Watson showed the ability to move the field and score better for the start of the campaign.
In the preseason matchups, Watson faced the Chicago Bears and the Buffalo Bills. Against the Bears, he completed 11 of 15 pass attempts and was involved in offensive drives that resulted in points for the team. Later, in the duel with the Bills, he recorded 5 of 12 completions for 36 yards and one interception.
Return after injuries
The player returns to the starting role after missing the last ten games of the 2024 season and the entirety of 2025 due to Achilles‑tendon injuries. Coach Todd Monken clarified that the designation of the athlete is not a week‑by‑week choice, but the starting point for total focus on preparation ahead of the first‑week showdown with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Controversies and fan reactions
Watson's tenure with the team has been marked by off‑field incidents and questions from the fan base. The athlete faced sexual‑misconduct accusations involving dozens of masseuses, resulting in settlements in 27 lawsuits and an 11‑game suspension imposed by the league for violating personal‑conduct policy. Watson denied wrongdoing and said he has no regrets about his path.
During preseason games, part of the crowd in the stadium expressed dissatisfaction with jeers directed at the player. While critics point to mismanagement and the multimillion‑dollar signing by the front office led by Jimmy Haslam and Andrew Berry, the coaching staff emphasizes an exclusive focus on on‑field performance for the start of competition.
With information from the Cleveland Browns, The New York Times.
Source: Cleveland Browns, The New York Times