Monken says Watson's full body of work won Browns' QB job

Sanders will enter Week 1 as the backup.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Aug 241 min read

Todd Monken breaks down what gave Deshaun Watson the edge over Shedeur Sanders in the Browns’ QB competition https://t.c Via @NFLonFOX on X

What happened: Todd Monken said Deshaun Watson gave Cleveland its best chance to move the ball and score after the staff evaluated the full competition. Monken said the choice was not a week-to-week arrangement.

Why it matters: The decision puts the veteran in charge of Cleveland's offense to open the 2026 season while Shedeur Sanders moves into the backup role. It also gives Watson the first opportunity to justify the coaching staff's preseason evaluation.

By the numbers: Watson completed 16 of 27 preseason passes for 162 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. Sanders went 15 of 22 for 153 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

What to watch: Cleveland opens the regular season on the road Sept. 13.

Sources

@NFLonFOX 2026-08-24T16:42:51.835183+00:00

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