BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Not many thought Deshaun Watson had a chance of reclaiming the starting quarterback job with the Cleveland Browns over the past 22 months.
Since Watson ruptured his right Achilles tendon the first time in a Week 7 game in 2024, owner Jimmy Haslam had said during last year’s owners meetings that the Browns “took a big swing and miss” when they sent three first-round picks to Houston for the controversial quarterback in 2022.
After Shedeur Sanders had a solid first half in last Saturday's 31-7 loss to Buffalo, a frustrated Watson said the boos from the crowd were “personal” and showed “disrespect” after he took the field in Cleveland for the first time in 22 months.
Despite the hurdles and a close competition with Sanders, Watson will be the Browns' starting quarterback for their Sept. 13 opener at the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Coach Todd Monken made the announcement Monday after informing Watson and Sanders.
“I took in the full body of work over the course of the offseason to training camp to the games, the joint practice, and ultimately felt like to start the season on the road, Deshaun gave us the best chance to move the ball and score points. I mean, that’s really what it’s about,” Monken said. “I felt that way going into the last game, but wasn’t sure. And after we talked as a staff and we re-looked at everything, we’re going to go that direction.”
Watson, a 10-year veteran, split reps with Sanders with the first unit throughout the offseason, training camp and the preseason.
The decision to start him will not be popular with Browns fans, who have booed Watson repeatedly during his time in Cleveland, and have put a lot of support behind Sanders since he was drafted last year.
Monken reiterated that fan sentiment and Watson’s comments did not play a role in his decision.
“Ultimately, the fans want us to win. That’s our job as coaches, why we’re hired to try and put the best product on the field. And when we don’t, then I understand their frustration. But ultimately they don’t decide who plays. I mean, who would I be if I let someone outside of the building decide who plays?” Monken said.
Watson has started only 19 games for Cleveland since being acquired from Houston and signing a fully guaranteed $230 million contract that will perhaps go down as one of the worst trades and contracts in NFL history. He is 9-10 with the Browns, with 19 touchdown passes, 12 interceptions and an 80.7 passer rating.
In 2022, Watson missed the first 11 games because of a league suspension resulting from his alleged sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions. He made six starts in 2023 before a season-ending shoulder injury and started seven in 2024 before the first of two Achilles tendon injuries.
After Monken's announcement, Watson took responsibility for his comments by saying his emotions got the better of him.
“I’m not a big talker anyway. I think people that know me and around the organization, I just felt like it was what was on my heart,” he said. “It was never intended to go at a certain person, fan base or a certain crowd. It was just, this is how I feel. And once I got it off my chest, I felt better and now I can move forward from it.”
Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards and directed two scoring drives working with other starters and the second team during the first half of the preseason opener at Chicago.
“There’s a lot of things, too, that me and (Monken) talking personally that we haven’t showcased. We haven’t showcased my full talent and ability to run in his offense. Being able to run, getting outside the pocket, being able to do some other QB-driven stuff. So I’m excited to see what we can cook up, getting ready for Week 1,” Watson said.
Watson has a 7-1 record against the Jaguars with nine touchdown passes and three interceptions. His last win with the Browns was an 18-13 victory over Jacksonville on Sept. 15, 2024, during which he completed 22 of 34 passes for 186 yards.
After facing Jacksonville, the Browns are at Tampa Bay on Sept. 20 to face former quarterback Baker Mayfield, who was released after Cleveland traded for Watson. The Browns' first home game is Sept. 27 against Carolina.
Sanders has shown steady improvement throughout the offseason. He started the final seven games of his rookie season, going 3-4 with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Sanders went 9 of 11 for 74 yards with a touchdown and interception during the first half against the Bills last weekend. He completed his first eight throws before he was picked off by Damar Hamlin on a pass he threw behind tight end Jermaine Terry.
He was 6 of 11 for 79 yards with an interception in the second half against the Bears.
Sanders' biggest improvement has been his ability to stand in the pocket as well as move up when he needs to, along with better footwork and decision-making.
Even though Sanders will be on the sideline for the opener, he is likely to start at some point this season.
“I think he has come to understand the long game. What are we really in this for? What am I in it for? To have the Browns be an organization that people aspire to be. The long game. Where do we want to be in the long term?” Monken said.
Watson and Sanders will not play in Thursday's final preseason game against the New England Patriots. Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green will get the snaps as they compete for the third QB spot.
