Watson Named Browns' Week One Starting QB

Deshaun Watson has been named the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns' 2026 season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 13. This decision, reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, marks a significant moment for new head coach Todd Monken as he chooses Watson over Shedeur Sanders.

Watson, who has not played in a regular-season game since tearing his Achilles in 2024, edged out Sanders despite the latter's impressive performance during the preseason. According to Bolavip, both quarterbacks had their moments in the preseason, with Watson shining in the first game and Sanders excelling in the second.

The decision to start Watson, as noted by Yahoo Sports, may have been influenced by his experience and high salary, despite Sanders being the more accurate passer during training camp. The Browns' revamped offense, featuring new talents like Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion, will rely on Watson's veteran presence to navigate a challenging early schedule.

While NBC Sports reports that both quarterbacks were benched for the final preseason game, Monken's choice seems definitive, allowing Watson to build chemistry with the starters ahead of Week 1. This decision sets the stage for Watson to lead the Browns through a tough lineup of games, potentially paving the way for Sanders to take over later in the season.