Browns Keep Deshaun Watson as Starter and Open Two-Game Evaluation
A rough Week 1 performance has Cleveland planning a quick review that could hand the job to rookie Shedeur Sanders or push the team to use draft assets.
Overview
- The Browns named Deshaun Watson the starter to open the season and he will make his second straight start in Week 2 as the team uses the first two games to judge the position.
- Watson struggled in a 34-10 loss to Jacksonville, completing 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards with one touchdown, one interception, one fumble and five sacks, which raised immediate doubts about his form.
- Coach Todd Monken said the Browns will evaluate the quarterback situation after Week 2, and that choice will determine whether Shedeur Sanders is promoted for the Week 3 home opener.
- Sanders closed the gap in training camp and outplayed Watson in the second preseason game, leaving him as the clear next option if Cleveland decides to change starters.
- The outcome of the evaluation will shape long-term plans because the Browns hold multiple 2027 first-round picks and could pursue a top college quarterback if neither Watson nor Sanders proves to be the franchise solution.