The Cleveland Browns have finally settled their quarterback competition, naming Deshaun Watson the team’s starting quarterback for the 2026 NFL season.
Just in: Deshaun Watson has been named Cleveland’s starting quarterback for week 1 at Jacksonville. pic.twitter.com/34BNUahkXs
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 24, 2026
Watson beat out Shedeur Sanders for the job after the two split first-team reps throughout training camp and the preseason.
The decision comes after months of uncertainty in Cleveland. Head coach Todd Monken had repeatedly maintained that both Watson and Sanders had earned the opportunity to compete for the job, and the Browns didn’t name a starter until Monday.
Ultimately, Watson’s experience appears to have been the deciding factor.
The veteran quarterback completed 16 of 27 passes for 162 yards, no touchdowns and one interception during the preseason. Sanders completed 15 of 22 attempts for 153 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Neither quarterback exactly ran away with the competition, which made Monday’s decision particularly interesting.
Watson’s selection also comes just two days after he was heavily booed by Browns fans during Cleveland’s preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills. He completed just 5 of 12 passes for 71 yards and an interception in that game, but Monken said Watson’s postgame comments about the fans would not factor into the quarterback decision.
Sanders will have to wait
For Sanders, the decision is obviously disappointing, particularly after he finished last season as Cleveland’s starter for the final seven games.
The fifth-round pick will now begin the season as Watson’s backup, but the Browns’ decision doesn’t necessarily mean the quarterback competition is permanently over. Watson is returning from significant injury issues and has played only 19 games for Cleveland since joining the team in 2022.
That makes the situation worth monitoring closely.
Watson’s first opportunity to prove the Browns made the right decision will come September 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
For now, though, Cleveland has made its choice.
Deshaun Watson is QB1, while Shedeur Sanders will have to wait for his next opportunity.
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