The Cleveland Browns have made their call at quarterback.
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Deshaun Watson will open the 2026 season as Cleveland's starter, with Shedeur Sanders serving as his backup, head coach Todd Monken announced Monday.
The decision ends a months-long competition between Watson and Sanders, who split first-team work during offseason practices and training camp.
Monken said the Browns considered the "full body of work" before deciding Watson gives Cleveland its best chance to score points. He also indicated the decision won't be treated as a week-to-week proposition.
Watson's final preseason appearance didn't exactly make the choice obvious. He completed 5 of 12 passes for 35 yards with an interception Saturday and heard boos from Browns fans during the performance.
Watson initially called the reaction "disrespectful," but walked those comments back Monday.
"I think my emotions got the best of me," Watson said, acknowledging the frustration surrounding his tenure in Cleveland. "This organization has put a lot of investment in coming to get me back in '22, and things haven't been going the right direction that we thought it was."
That's putting it mildly.
The Browns traded three first-round picks to Houston for Watson in 2022 before giving him a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. His Cleveland career has since been interrupted by a suspension, injuries and inconsistent play.
Watson missed the entire 2025 season after undergoing two surgeries for a torn Achilles and owns a 9-10 record as Cleveland's starter.
Now he'll get another opportunity, beginning with the Browns' Week 1 road game against Jacksonville.
"It was a big investment, and we haven't got the product out of that investment just so far," Watson said. "And I have another shot. I have another chance."
Sanders, meanwhile, will have to wait for his.
