Deshaun Watson has earned another chance from the Cleveland Browns and immediately took responsibility for the emotional comments that threatened to derail it.
Browns coach Todd Monken named Watson the starting quarterback on Monday, choosing him over Shedeur Sanders following a closely contested offseason competition. Watson then walked back his criticism of Cleveland fans after being loudly booed during a 31-7 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills.
“I put in a lot of time these last two years to get back, spend time in this facility and city, meeting a lot of people in the community,” Watson said. “I thought I was going to get a different response, but my emotions got the best of me. My comments were not intended to go at any of the fans in the city.”
Watson acknowledged that Browns fans have plenty of reasons to be frustrated. Cleveland traded three first-round picks to acquire him in 2022 and signed him to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. Injuries, a suspension and inconsistent play have limited him to 19 appearances with the team.
“There have been a lot of great fans who have been supporting me. I know the frustration,” Watson said. “This organization put in a lot of investment to get me back in 2022. Things have not been going in the right direction — a lot of injuries, a lot of time off and not playing the best football. I understand the frustration and everything that goes into that.”
Deshaun Watson Takes Responsibility for Emotional Comments
Watson understands there may not be another opportunity waiting if his latest comeback falls short.
“I have another shot. I have another chance,” Watson said. “So I wanna make sure I take full responsibility of this opportunity.”
The Browns have given Watson multiple chances to revive his career. After Watson’s Achilles injury, owner Jimmy Haslam called the blockbuster trade a “big swing and miss.” Watson has gone 9-10 as Cleveland’s starter with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Now entering the final year of his contract, Watson has one more chance to prove the Browns’ faith is justified.
“Moving forward, I just want to focus on football, making sure I’m putting the best product out there,” Watson said. “I thrive off the energy of the fans and the community. My emotions got the best of me, and I take full responsibility for that.”
Browns Choose Deshaun Watson Over Shedeur Sanders
GettyCleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders will open the season as the backup.
Monken said the Browns considered the entire offseason before choosing Watson over Sanders.
“Took in the full body of work over the course of the offseason, training camp, the games and the joint practice,” Monken said. “Ultimately, to start the season on the road, Deshaun gives us the best chance to move the ball and score points. We’re going to go that direction.”
Monken stressed that the competition was close and praised the progress Sanders made after starting seven games as a rookie. He also made it clear that Watson’s status is not intended to be evaluated on a weekly basis.
“This is not a week-to-week decision,” Monken said. “It was close. I feel really good about both quarterbacks. We’re about Week 1 and putting our best foot forward.”
Watson will now lead the Browns into their regular-season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cleveland’s first home game is September 27 against the Carolina Panthers.
Browns QB Deshaun Watson Apologizes After Being Named Starter