HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 04: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns warms up during pregame against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cleveland Browns will start former Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson in their Sept. 13 season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Head Coach Todd Monken announced the news on Monday.
Watson beats out Shedeur Sanders for QB1
(Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
What we know:
Watson beat out second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, after a training camp and preseason competition that Monken called close.
Watson has not played in a regular-season game since October 2024, when he suffered a right achilles injury. He has started 19 games for the Browns since they acquired him from the Houston Texans in 2022, and he has recorded a 9-10 record with 19 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions.
The former Texans star said he learned Monday morning that he had won the job.
What they're saying:
"This is what I’ve been working for for two years, is to be able to show that I’m capable of being a starter," Watson said.
Monken said Watson’s body of work from the offseason, training camp, preseason games and a joint practice gave Cleveland its best chance to move the ball and score points.
"Ultimately, it felt like to start the season on the road, Deshaun gave us the best chance to move the ball and score points," Monken said. "That’s really what it’s about."
Watson addresses fan boos and preseason controversy
(Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Dig deeper:
Watson was booed by Browns fans during Saturday’s preseason loss to Buffalo, then called the reaction "personal" and "disrespectful." To start off his press conference on Monday, following the announcement of him being named starter, he said his emotions got the best of him and that he understood the frustration of the fanbase.
"I take full responsibility of that," Watson said. "Moving forward, I just want to focus on football."
Monken said fan reaction did not factor into the quarterback decision.
"The fans want us to win," Monken said. "That’s our job as coaches, why we’re hired to try and put the best product on the field."
Sanders remains Browns’ backup
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 15: Shedeur Sanders #2 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during a preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on August 15, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
The other side:
Sanders, a prominent name after his rookie season, will begin the season as Watson’s backup.
He started the final seven games of his rookie season and continued to improve during camp, according to Monken. In the first half of the preseason game on Saturday against the Buffalo Bills, Sanders completed 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards, along with a touchdown and an interception.
When Sanders was informed on the team's decision to go with Watson as the starter, Monken said he handled the decision well.
"We met this morning for a good long time and all he had was a smile on his face," Monken said. "He understands what really is in front of him. He’s going to work his butt off to get better."
Browns preseason finale vs. Patriots
What's next:
Both Watson and Sanders will sit out Thursday's preseason finale against New England.
Rookie Taylen Green, a Lewisville, Texas native, will get the start for the Browns.
The Source: Information in this article was provided by live NFL coverage and press conference held by the Cleveland Browns on August 24, 2026.