The Cleveland Browns have made their quarterback decision — Deshaun Watson will start Week 1 ahead of Shedeur Sanders.
Watson has won the competition for the starting job after battling Sanders throughout training camp and the preseason. The decision was reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on Monday.
The Browns will therefore begin the 2026 NFL season with the experienced Watson under centre, while Sanders starts the campaign as his backup.
Watson gets the nod
The quarterback battle had been one of the biggest storylines surrounding Cleveland throughout the offseason.
Watson and Sanders split first-team opportunities as new head coach Todd Monken assessed his options. Watson's experience ultimately helped him secure the job.
The 30-year-old has not played a full season in Cleveland since joining the Browns, but the coaching staff has decided that he gives the team the best chance to begin the campaign as its starter.
The decision comes despite Watson's difficult preseason finale against Buffalo.
He completed 5 of 12 passes for 35 yards and an interception as the Browns suffered a heavy 31–7 defeat. Sanders, meanwhile, threw a touchdown pass in what was effectively his final opportunity to challenge for the position.
Sanders will have to wait
For Sanders, the decision represents a setback after he started seven games for Cleveland last season.
The second-year quarterback showed enough during the competition to remain firmly in the team's plans, but he will begin 2026 behind Watson on the depth chart.
That does not necessarily mean Sanders' season is over before it begins.
If Watson struggles or suffers an injury, Sanders could quickly find himself back in the spotlight. The Browns' decision simply means the former Colorado star will have to wait for his next opportunity.
Watson returns to the starting role
Watson's selection is particularly notable because he missed the entire 2025 season after suffering two Achilles tendon injuries.
His return to competitive football has therefore been closely watched throughout the preseason.
He also faced a hostile reception from some Browns supporters during the defeat to Buffalo, with the quarterback later expressing his frustration about the boos he received.
Monken insisted that those reactions did not influence the team's decision. The coach said the competition would be judged on football performance rather than outside noise.
Now Watson has the opportunity to prove the Browns made the right call.
Jacksonville awaits
Cleveland's first regular-season test will come against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13, giving Watson his first competitive start since his long injury absence.
The decision also means the Browns will enter the new campaign with plenty of attention surrounding their quarterback room.
Watson has the experience, while Sanders represents a younger alternative who already has NFL starting experience.
For now, though, there is no debate over who gets the first snap.
Deshaun Watson is QB1. Shedeur Sanders will have to wait.
Fan Debate
🔥 FIRE: Did the Browns make the right decision?
😲 SHOCK: Should Shedeur Sanders have won the job?
🏈 LIKE: Can Watson lead Cleveland to a strong season?
💬 COMMENT: How long should Watson get if the Browns struggle?
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