Deshaun Watson is getting another opportunity to lead the Cleveland Browns.
Coach Todd Monken has selected the veteran quarterback to start Cleveland’s regular-season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 13, choosing Watson over Shedeur Sanders after a competition that lasted through the offseason, training camp and preseason.
Watson and Sanders shared work with Cleveland’s first-team offense as the Browns evaluated one of the biggest questions surrounding the roster. Monken ultimately decided Watson offered the stronger option to open the season, basing his choice on the quarterbacks’ overall performances rather than any single practice or preseason game.
For Watson, earning the job marks another chapter in a turbulent Cleveland tenure.
The Browns made a massive investment when they acquired him from Houston in 2022, surrendering a package that included three first-round draft selections before signing him to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract.
The expected payoff has never fully materialized.
Watson has started just 19 games for Cleveland, compiling a 9-10 record with 19 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions. His time with the Browns has included a league suspension, a season-ending shoulder injury and two Achilles injuries that kept him away from regular-season action for an extended period.
Now the 10-year veteran has another chance to stabilize Cleveland’s offense.
His return has not exactly produced a universal welcome from Browns fans. Watson heard boos when he appeared during Cleveland’s preseason loss to Buffalo, and his initial public reaction showed his frustration. He later acknowledged that emotion had influenced his response and indicated he was ready to move forward.
The bigger question now is what Watson can accomplish once the games count.
Cleveland saw some encouraging signs earlier in the preseason when Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards and helped produce two scoring drives against Chicago. The Browns will be hoping those flashes translate into consistent regular-season production.
Sanders, meanwhile, remains firmly in the quarterback picture.
After starting the final seven games of his rookie season and finishing 3-4 in those appearances, Sanders continued making progress during the offseason. His development has been particularly noticeable in his pocket movement, footwork and decision-making.
He also made a push for the starting job during the preseason. Against Buffalo, Sanders completed nine of 11 passes for 74 yards with one touchdown and one interception during the first half.
It wasn’t enough to win the Week 1 assignment, but sitting behind Watson does not necessarily mean Sanders will remain there all season.
Cleveland’s quarterback situation could continue evolving depending on Watson’s performance, his health and the team’s results. Sanders’ improvement gives the Browns an alternative should they eventually decide another change is necessary.
For now, however, the job belongs to Watson.
Neither Watson nor Sanders is expected to participate in Cleveland’s final preseason game against New England. Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green will instead get an opportunity to compete for the third quarterback spot.
Once the regular season arrives, the spotlight swings right back to Watson.
After years of injuries, controversy and questions surrounding one of the NFL’s most scrutinized quarterback situations, Cleveland is giving him another chance to prove he can deliver.
