The Cleveland Browns’ contentious quarterback battle is over, and the veteran Deshaun Watson is getting the nod over second-year player Shedeur Sanders for Week 1. That’s despite Watson’s tough weekend, which included a bad preseason performance and him calling out the fans for booing. Browns head coach Todd Monken is reportedly set to officially name Watson the starter, making good on what many assumed would happen.
The Edge: Seniority and a Hefty Contract
So, how did Watson land the starting job after a rough preseason showing? It boils down to a couple of key factors. Watson hasn’t played in a regular-season game since 2024, when he tore his Achilles and missed all of 2025. He went just 1-6 as the Browns starter that year. Yet, he’s the most senior member of their quarterback room, and let’s not forget that fully-guaranteed contract. With a $40 million cap hit this year, which also marks the final year of his deal, that kind of investment likely gave him a significant edge this summer.
Watson did show some flashes early on. Monken started him in the first preseason game, and Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards, clearly outplaying Sanders in that matchup. Sanders had only 79 passing yards and an interception on six completions against the Chicago Bears. Even though Watson struggled in the second week of preseason, that initial performance, combined with his veteran status and massive contract, was apparently enough to secure the starting role.
Sanders Waiting in the Wings
Shedeur Sanders, the former fifth-round pick, will begin the season as the backup. Despite a solid showing in the second preseason week, it wasn’t enough to snag the starting job. In that second game against the Bills, Sanders totaled 74 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception while completing 9 of 11 passes. He’s definitely going to get playing time at some point if Watson struggles, which has to make Browns fans a little nervous, right?
Behind Sanders, the depth chart gets interesting. Dillon Gabriel, a third-round pick from 2025, is currently the third quarterback but he’s on the bubble. He could be cut or traded if the Browns decide to roll with only three quarterbacks this year. Taylen Green, a late pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is a project QB. He’s likely not seeing much action this year, as the team plans to develop him behind the scenes.
Watson kicks off the season as the starter when the Browns face the Jaguars in Week 1. What a way to start the year, right? With a $40 million cap hit and his contract expiring after this season, you know all eyes will be on every single throw. Sanders is waiting in the wings, and if Watson struggles, we could see the young gun sooner rather than later.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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