Browns' Todd Monken explains surprising Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders decision

To the surprise of many Cleveland Browns fans, reports revealed on Monday morning that first-year Browns head coach Todd Monken had named veteran Deshaun Watson the team's Week 1 starting quarterback over second-year pro Shedeur Sanders.

While speaking with reporters on Monday afternoon, Monken confirmed that Watson will start Cleveland's regular-season opener at the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 13. Monken also discussed the reasoning behind the decision that is quite unpopular among many passionate Browns supporters. 

Why Todd Monken is starting Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders

As shared by Scott Petrak of The Chronicle-Telegram and Medina Gazette, Monken said that he and his staff decided that Watson gives the Browns "the best chance to move the ball and score points" at Jacksonville. According to Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland/The Land on Demand, Monken said that naming Watson his QB1 "is not a week-to-week decision." 

Grant Gordon of the NFL's website noted that Watson completed 16 of 27 passes (59.3%) for 162 yards, no touchdowns and an interception over Cleveland's first two preseason games this month. To compare, Sanders went 15-of-22 passing (68.2%) for 153 yards, one touchdown and two picks.

Todd Monken makes one thing clear about Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders competition

Back in late April, it was reported that Watson had "the inside track to be named the Browns'" 2026 Week 1 starter. On Monday, Monken said that "we felt over the course of training camp and the offseason" that Watson was ahead of Sanders. While Monken insisted that Sanders "closed that gap" in the battle for the QB1 gig, Monken also made it clear that he views Watson as the better option for the Jacksonville game. 

During what became Cleveland's 31-7 home preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills this past Saturday, Browns fans booed Watson on multiple occasions. After the defeat, he ripped what he called "disrespectful" conduct from those paying customers. 

As shared by Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Monken said on Monday that how fans reacted to Watson on Saturday had zero impact on the coach's quarterback decision. 

"Ultimately," Monken added, "the fans want us to win. Ultimately, put a good product on the field. That's really what they want."

Neither Watson nor Sanders will play in the Browns' preseason finale versus the New England Patriots in downtown Cleveland this coming Thursday night. 2025 third-round draft pick Dillon Gabriel will serve as Cleveland's starter for that contest, and 2026 sixth-round draft pick Taylen Green will also play. 

The Browns reportedly could carry all four quarterbacks on their active roster through the start of the season. That said, Sanders is expected to be Cleveland's primary backup in Week 1.