Deshaun Watson will start as the Cleveland Browns' quarterback for the 2026 season opener, head coach Todd Monken confirmed despite ongoing fan protests and competition from Shedeur Sanders [1, 2]. Watson faced loud boos from Browns fans during the team's 31-7 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills on August 22, going 5 of 12 for 36 yards with one interception [3, 4, 5]. Sanders outperformed him statistically in that game, completing 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards, one touchdown, and one interception [5].
Watson called the boos "disrespectful" and "personal," saying, "It has nothing to do about the performance. It’s a little bit personal. I think that’s a disrespectful thing." He referenced a 2024 injury on the same field in which he tore his Achilles tendon, saying fans had cheered when he got hurt [3, 4, 5]. He later offered a partial apology, acknowledging his "emotions got the best of me," and said his remarks were not meant to insult all fans, recognizing supporters who stood by him [1, 6].
Since being traded to Cleveland in 2022, the Browns gave up six draft picks—including three first-rounders—and signed Watson to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract [3, 4, 1, 5, 6]. However, Watson has struggled to meet expectations, throwing 19 touchdowns but also 12 interceptions across 19 games, a record many view as below average for an NFL starter [3, 4, 5]. He missed the entire 2025 season after a second Achilles tendon injury [6].
The fan backlash has extended beyond boos, with Browns legend Jim Brown’s statue vandalized with anti-Watson messages after the starting QB announcement [2]. Despite frustrations, Monken said the team remains focused on football, stating, "I know the frustration. This organization has put a lot of investment in coming to get me back in '22... Moving forward, I just want to focus on football" and, "They don't want to get booed, it's about playing good football... When we play good football, everybody will be fine" [1, 5].
Watson was officially named the starting quarterback between August 24 and August 26, after the preseason game and fan reactions [1, 2, 6]. On August 26, Watson spoke publicly to soften his earlier remarks and prepare for the season ahead [1, 6].
