Cleveland Browns Announce Starting Quarterback
The Cleveland Browns have confirmed that Deshaun Watson will be the team’s starting quarterback for the new season. This announcement follows a period of evaluation during training camp and preseason games, where Watson competed for the role.
Head coach Todd Monken indicated that the decision was based on the overall performance of both Watson and Shedeur Sanders throughout training camp and the preseason. Monken had previously stated that he anticipated naming the starter after weighing out various factors, with the announcement expected on a Monday.
During the preseason, Watson and Sanders alternated days taking repetitions with the first team. In the first preseason game against the Bears, Watson started and completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards. Sanders played later in that game, completing 6 of 11 passes for 79 yards and an interception.
The quarterbacks also split first-team reps during a joint practice with the Bills. In the second preseason game against the Bills, Sanders started and completed 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards, including one touchdown and one interception. Watson then played, completing 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and one interception.
Preseason Performance and Outlook
Across two exhibition losses to the Bears and Bills, where the team was outscored by a combined 65-17, Watson completed 16 of 27 passes for 162 yards, took one sack, recorded one interception, and had one lost fumble. He did not throw any touchdown passes in these games. Watson also rushed for 17 yards on five carries.
Sanders, in his preseason appearances, completed 15 of 22 passes for 153 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. He also had three runs for five yards. Neither quarterback delivered a performance that was described as strong during the preseason games.
Despite his preseason play, Watson’s past performance and significant salary cap hit, reportedly around $41 million in 2026, were factors in the team’s decision. Watson has been limited to 19 games over the last five seasons due to various issues, including an Achilles injury that sidelined him for nearly two full years. In his 19 starts from 2022-24, Watson completed 61.2% of his passes for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, achieving a 5-1 record in 2023.
Monken has indicated that starters, including the starting quarterback, are not anticipated to play in the final preseason game against the Patriots on Thursday, August 27. Rookie quarterback Taylen Green, who has not played in the first two preseason games, is expected to play against the Patriots but will not start. Green previously threw a touchdown pass and added a rushing touchdown during a joint practice with the Bills.
Fantasy Football Implications
For fantasy football managers, Watson’s starting role currently holds limited appeal. He is not being drafted among the top 30 quarterback options in many leagues, even in superflex formats that allow for multiple quarterbacks. There is a possibility he could be benched at any time.
The more relevant question for fantasy purposes is how Watson’s presence might affect the offensive players around him. The Browns’ offense includes players such as Jerry Jeudy, KC Concepcion, Harold Fannin Jr., and Quinshon Judkins. Competent quarterback play could potentially generate fantasy value for these players.
However, without consistent strong performances, fantasy managers are advised against relying on Watson as a viable streaming option. His Week 1 matchup against the Jaguars is not seen as a reason to start him in fantasy lineups.
In other team news, the Browns signed defensive end Derek Barnett on Sunday and placed defensive end Alex Wright on injured reserve. Monken expressed anticipation for Barnett’s impact on the team. The coaching staff is also hopeful that defensive tackle Maliek Collins, who has been on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list since July 23, will return to practice this week, along with Mike Burton, Sam Kamara, Tyreak Sapp, and D’Angelo Ross. Carson Schwesinger is also expected to increase his participation this week.
The team’s search for a long-term franchise signal-caller could extend into the 2027 NFL Draft, with potential prospects mentioned including Arch Manning, Dante Moore, Darian Mensah, CJ Carr, and Jayden Maiava.
Source: eu.usatoday.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.