All Shedeur Sanders could do was smile when Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken told him that Deshaun Watson would open the season as the team’s starting quarterback.
The Browns ended their long-running competition Monday, choosing Watson over Sanders after evaluating both quarterbacks throughout the offseason, training camp and preseason.
Monken said Sanders handled the news well during an extended meeting with the coaching staff.
“We met this morning for a long time. All he had was a smile on his face because he really understands what is in front of him,” Monken said. “Like any player, he’s going to work his butt off to get better.”
Sanders pushed Watson throughout the competition and made a strong closing argument during the Browns’ preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills. He completed 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards, one touchdown and one interception while playing without most of Cleveland’s offensive starters. However, it was not enough to overtake Watson before the regular-season opener.
Browns Name Deshaun Watson Starting Quarterback
GettyCleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will be the starter.
Monken said Watson earned the job based on the entirety of the competition rather than one practice or preseason performance.
“Ultimately, to start the season on the road, Deshaun gives us the best chance to move the ball and score points,” Monken said. “We’re going to go that direction.”
Watson entered training camp with a slight edge because of his experience and familiarity with the offense. He strengthened his case during the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears, completing 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards.
His final audition against Buffalo was far less convincing. Watson completed 7 of 15 passes for 46 yards while hearing loud boos during his first appearance at Huntington Bank Field since tearing his Achilles in 2024. Still, Monken said the decision was based on Watson’s complete body of work.
Monken made it clear that Watson’s appointment is not intended to become a weekly referendum.
“This is not a week-to-week decision,” Monken said.
Browns Ready to Move Forward With Watson
Watson’s performance against Buffalo was overshadowed by his postgame comments about the hostile reception he received from Browns fans. The veteran quarterback called the boos “personal” and “disrespectful.”
He also repeatedly said, “I don’t know,” when asked how he would manage potentially playing what amounted to 17 road games because of the tension with Cleveland’s fan base.
Monken previously said those comments would not influence the quarterback decision. He met with Watson on Monday and emphasized that winning is the only way to quiet the criticism.
“I’ll keep most of what we talked about private,” Monken said. “But the conversation was about how we make this go away: to play good football. We have to own that. Let’s move forward and work our rear end to play winning football. That’s it.”
The Browns will continue the preseason this week against the New England Patriots. Watson and Sanders will not play in that game. Dillon Gabriel will start, with sixth-round rookie Taylen Green also slated to see significant playing time.
Shedeur Sanders Had Telling Reaction to Losing Browns QB Job