Browns' HC Todd Monken reveals why he named Deshaun Watson QB1

After an offseason filled with plenty of drama, the Cleveland Browns and head coach Todd Monken have officially named veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback for the 2026-27 regular season.

The decision to name Watson the starting quarterback was not an easy task for the former Baltimore Ravens' offensive coordinator. The competition between Watson and 2025 fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders lingered for a majority of the offseason. But finally, fans were able to gain clarity on the battle leading up to the organization's final preseason game.

During his press conference on Monday afternoon, Monken explained why he named Watson as the Week One starter, claiming that the "full body of work" this offseason led to his decision.

"Deshaun is going to start against Jacksonville," Monken stated. "[I] took in the full body of work over the course of the offseason, to training camp, to the games, to the joint practice. And it ultimately felt like to start the season on the road, Deshaun [gives] us the best chance to move the ball and score points, and that's really what it's about."

Browns ' quarterback situation

The quarterback battle between Watson and Sanders has been one of the most pressing questions for the Browns heading into the regular season.

Last season, Sanders started in eight games for the organization while throwing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Unfortunately for the former Colorado standout, Monken will now turn to the team's veteran quarterback to kick off the season, despite not playing in a regular season contest since 2024.

Monken also revealed that he wasn't completely sure about the starting position heading into the last preseason contest against the Buffalo Bills , but decided to go through with the decision to start Watson after talking to his staff.

"[I] felt that way going into the last game, but wasn't sure," Monken said. "And after we talked as a staff, and after we relooked at everything, we're going to go in that direction."

While Watson held the upper hand over Sanders heading into the last preseason contest, many believed that the Bills game could give the 24-year-old a momentum boost. Sanders finished the contest completing nine of his 11 pass attempts for 74 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. This, in comparison to Watson's horrific showing at home, would unfortunately not give the young playmaker enough of a chance to take the starting reins in Week One.

In addition to his comments regarding Watson being named the starting quarterback , Monken also claimed that the booing from fans during Watson's time on the field against the Bills did not factor into his decision.

"There was nothing to do with that," Monken claimed. "Ultimately, the fans want us to win and to put a good product on the field. That's really what they want. So, it's our job as coaches to put the best product on the field, and when we don't, I understand their frustrations. But ultimately, [the fans] do not decide who plays. Who would I be to let someone outside of the building decide who plays?"

Watson may have the starting quarterback role on lockdown for the foreseeable future, but one thing remains clear - the former three-time Pro Bowler will be on a short leash with Sanders trailing behind him.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns' HC Todd Monken reveals why he named Deshaun Watson QB1