[REVISION HISTORY]

Browns name Watson starter amid contract and performance

Updated 29 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-06 19:40 UTC → 2026-09-09 23:09 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Browns name Watson starter amid contract and ~~performance's~~ performance

The Cleveland Browns have named Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback for the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13. This marks Watson’s first regular-season appearance in nearly two years following Achilles surgeries. Head coach Todd Monken defended the decision as being based on Watson’s ability to lead the offense and his “full body of work,” rather than his $230 million fully guaranteed contract. Watson ~~faces significant pressure~~ enters the 2026 season in the final year of his five-year contract, facing a critical period to ~~perform, with analysts suggesting~~ prove his NFL viability. While he secured the starting role over fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders, analysts suggest Watson may have a window of only four to six weeks to impress the coaching staff. ~~This scrutiny is compounded by the presence of fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders, who is also competing for playing time.~~ Prediction markets currently indicate a 59% probability that Sanders could make his first start during Weeks 3 or 4. NFL insiders suggest the Browns may keep Watson on the roster for the full season even if Sanders eventually takes over the starting role. Since his 2022 acquisition, Watson has played 19 games, totaling 3,365 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. The decision remains controversial among former NFL players, who have questioned if the massive financial investment made his selection inevitable. Watson has also addressed recent fan backlash, describing Addressing previous tensions with the ~~booing he experienced~~ fanbase, Monken described past controversies as ~~“a little bit personal”~~ a “speed bump” and ~~“a disrespectful thing.”~~ a “blip on the radar,” noting that Watson has worked to regain his confidence through productive private conversations.

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