Deshaun Watson Expected to Remain Browns’ Starter Against Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming home after dropping their season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Their next opponent brings plenty of uncertainty at quarterback. The Cleveland Browns appear committed to starting Deshaun Watson despite his ugly season debut.

That could be a major break for Tampa Bay. Watson struggled badly against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Cleveland’s 34-10 season-opening loss.

Watson threw an interception during Cleveland’s first offensive series. Despite that performance, Browns head coach Todd Monken appears prepared to keep him in the starting lineup.

“Browns coach Todd Monken told reporters that QB Deshaun Watson is expected to start Sunday against the Bucs, based on his film review,” via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

“Browns HC Todd Monken told reporters that he anticipates QB Deshaun Watson will start Sunday at Tampa Bay. Monken said there were some really good things on film,” via ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

“Browns coach Todd Monken said he ‘anticipates’ Deshaun Watson will start at QB in Week 2 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,” via Browns reporter Daniel Oyefusi.

“Browns Todd Monken: ‘I anticipate Deshaun will be our starter’ for the Bucs,” via Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot.

Tampa Bay Could Benefit From Cleveland’s Decision

The Buccaneers certainly cannot afford to overlook Cleveland. However, Watson’s struggles give Tampa Bay another reason for optimism heading into Week 2.

Cleveland has other quarterback options available. The Browns selected Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel during the 2025 NFL Draft.

Instead, Cleveland appears ready to continue with Watson. That decision could give Tampa Bay an opportunity to attack a quarterback who struggled mightily in Week 1.

The Buccaneers need to take advantage of favorable situations after their disappointing opening loss. Playing at home should provide another advantage.

The Browns Once Chose Watson Over Mayfield

There is also some history connecting Watson’s situation to Baker Mayfield. Cleveland selected Mayfield first overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Mayfield went 11-5 during Kevin Stefanski’s first season as Cleveland’s head coach in 2020. Stefanski was also named NFL Coach of the Year that season.

Mayfield’s following season was more difficult. He finished 2021 with a 6-8 record during an injury-filled campaign.

That relatively modest regression ultimately contributed to a massive change in Cleveland. The Browns moved on from Mayfield and pursued Watson before the 2022 season.

Tampa Bay Has a Chance to Make Cleveland Regret It

The Browns traded with the Houston Texans for Watson before the 2022 season. Cleveland then committed enormous financial resources to its new quarterback.

That decision eventually became one of the most criticized moves in recent NFL history. Now, Tampa Bay gets an opportunity to face Watson in his return to Cleveland’s starting lineup.

Mayfield enters this matchup from a completely different position. The Buccaneers recently committed to their quarterback with a lucrative extension.

After Sunday’s turnover problems, Mayfield needs a bounce-back performance. Facing his former team could provide plenty of motivation.

For Tampa Bay, though, the bigger objective is simple. The Buccaneers need to turn Cleveland’s quarterback uncertainty into their first victory of the season.

Quotes and concept from heavy.com’s Tony Adame.