Browns QB situation
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Browns coach Todd Monken will name a starting quarterback Monday between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. The choice may not solve Cleveland's long-term QB woes, with 2027 draft picks looming.
Background
The Cleveland Browns have a quarterback competition between veteran Deshaun Watson and second-year player Shedeur Sanders. Watson has not played since 2024 and has struggled since his Houston days, while Sanders had a rough rookie season. The team has a young, talented roster but has not addressed the QB position in free agency or trades, instead planning to potentially draft a quarterback in 2027 with two first-round picks.
How it unfolded
- Aug 17, 2026FOX Sports reports the Browns have a volatile QB situation with Watson and Sanders competing, and neither may be the long-term answer.
- Aug 18, 2026The Athletic notes Watson appears to have the inside track for the starting job, but his production has been poor.
- Aug 21, 2026ESPN's Dan Graziano predicts Watson starts the season, struggles, and Sanders takes over, with the Browns finishing with a poor record.
- Aug 22, 2026In a preseason game against the Bills, Sanders starts and Watson enters in the third quarter, drawing boos from the home crowd. Watson calls the boos 'disrespectful' after the game.
- Aug 23, 2026Coach Todd Monken says he will name a starter on Monday and that Watson's comments won't factor into the decision.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- ESPN's Dan Graziano predicts Watson starts but struggles, Sanders takes over, and neither is the 2027 starter, leading to a draft reset.
- Coach
- Todd Monken says the decision will be based on performance, not postgame comments, and will be announced Monday.
- Public
- Browns fans booed Watson during the preseason game, reflecting frustration with his performance since joining the team.
Still unverified
The claim that Watson's Achilles injury occurred nearly two years ago is mentioned in a postgame transcript but not confirmed in the material.