Cleveland Browns Name Deshaun Watson Week 1 Starting Quarterback Over Shedeur Sanders
The Cleveland Browns have officially made their decision regarding the most anticipated position battle of the offseason. According to multiple reports, veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson has been named the team’s Week 1 starter, edging out second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders. Head coach Todd Monken and the coaching staff made the definitive call, handing Watson the keys to the offense as the team prepares to open the regular season. This decision brings a temporary resolution to months of intense speculation, training camp battles, and preseason evaluations in Cleveland.
Watson enters this season carrying a unique set of circumstances. He has not played a regular-season NFL game since 2024, having missed significant time due to a major Achilles injury following previous shoulder setbacks that derailed his tenure in Cleveland. His recent preseason appearances, including a performance against the Buffalo Bills where he completed 5 of 12 passes for 35 yards and an interception, sparked considerable debate among analysts and fans alike. Despite those struggles and the noisy backdrop of preseason reactions, the coaching staff evaluated his overall body of work from practices, OTAs, and training camp to make him the undisputed QB1.
During a recent sports discussion on CBS Sports, analysts Ben Denucci and Emry Hunt broke down the complex layers surrounding this major announcement. Denucci noted that for Watson, this moment represents an incredible opportunity to completely restart and revive the narrative surrounding his career. During the first half of his career in Houston, Watson established himself as a top-five quarterback in the league, known for his mobility, off-platform throws, and leading his team to the playoffs. However, his transition to Cleveland has been heavily impacted by injuries, limiting his ability to lead the offense consistently.
Despite the external noise and preseason boos following candid post-game comments, Monken and his staff clearly saw enough positive indicators behind closed doors to trust Watson with the starting job. Denucci emphasized that veteran experience cannot be underestimated in the National Football League. With a solid defense and an emerging group of young playmakers on offense, Watson will not need to carry the entire burden single-handedly. By taking care of the football, executing within the offensive scheme, and allowing his supporting cast to make plays, Watson has a viable path to keeping the offense stable and competitive.
The decision also raises significant questions about the trajectory of second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Many analysts and fans anticipated that Sanders might secure the starting role after a productive offseason and solid moments during preseason play. Discussing the situation, Emry Hunt pointed out that while Sanders may feel disappointed in the short term, this scenario closely mirrors traditional developmental paths seen with elite franchise quarterbacks in the past, such as Jordan Love, Aaron Rogers, or Patrick Mahomes. Sitting behind a veteran allows a young player additional time to digest complex playbooks, refine footwork, and master pocket presence. Furthermore, history suggests that the Cleveland front office has not been hesitant to make mid-season adjustments when necessary, meaning Sanders must maintain a “next man up” mentality as the season progresses.
Examining the team’s immediate future, the Browns face a daunting early-season schedule that includes tough matchups on the road against aggressive defenses like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, before returning home in Week 3 to face the Carolina Panthers. Analysts noted that starting on the road might actually benefit Watson, allowing him to navigate hostile environments away from home before stepping back into the stadium in Cleveland. The early stretch will serve as a crucial test of whether Watson can handle defensive pressure, beat the blitz, and push the ball vertically down the field with the consistency he displayed earlier in his career.
Ultimately, the goal for the Cleveland Browns in 2026 is simple: improve upon last year’s performance and break the franchise’s long-standing playoff drought. While some analysts have slightly scaled back their win projections due to the transition at quarterback, the consensus remains that the team possesses a strong foundation. With a talented defense, promising young offensive weapons, and a veteran quarterback seeking redemption, the stage is set for a compelling campaign. Whether Watson can solidify his role for the long term or if Sanders will eventually get his opportunity remains one of the most fascinating storylines to watch in the NFL this season.
