The Cleveland Browns have made their quarterback decision for the 2026 season, and Deshaun Watson is the starter. First-year head coach Todd Monken announced Monday that Watson won the job over Shedeur Sanders following a competition that stretched from the offseason through training camp. The decision is not expected to be a week-to-week situation, per Monken, giving Watson a firm grip on the QB1 role heading into the regular season.

Watson and Sanders competed throughout the offseason for the Browns’ starting job, and the battle intensified when training camp opened a few weeks ago. Watson solidified his spot, and Sanders will serve as the backup. It’s a massive decision for Monken in his first year as head coach, and Watson’s performance will play a significant role in determining whether Monken can succeed in Cleveland.

Todd Monken explains the decision to start Deshaun Watson

Monken said Monday that he had seen enough to make the call:

“Took in the full body of work over the course of off season to training camp, to the games, the joint practice, and ultimately felt like to start the season on the road that Deshawn gave us the best chance to move the ball and score points,” Browns head coach said. “I mean, that’s really what it’s about. And felt that way going in the last game, but wasn’t sure. And and after we talked as a staff, and after we relooked at everything, we’re going to go that direction.”

That’s a clear-cut statement from Monken. He believes Watson is the best quarterback on the roster to operate the offense efficiently and score points for a Browns team that hasn’t had good offense since Baker Mayfield was in town.

Deshaun Watson’s preseason struggles and fan frustration

Naming Watson the starter comes on the heels of a poor performance in the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, where he completed 5-of-12 passes for 36 yards and an interception. Watson was booed off the field multiple times during that game, and he antagonized fans afterward with comments that weren’t widely accepted.

Still, Watson is the starter for Week 1. Cleveland will roll with him despite the fact that he hasn’t been consistently productive on the field the last few years. Watson has never played in more than seven games for the Browns in a single season since they traded for him in 2021. That track record raises legitimate questions about whether this decision pays off.

Cleveland will open the 2026 season against the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road before traveling to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a matchup against Mayfield. Whether Monken’s decision pays off and Watson can put together a resurrection-type season remains to be seen.