Browns to Name Week 1 QB Monday as Monken Ignores Watson's $230 Million Fan Flap
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Aug 23
Browns to Name Week 1 QB Monday as Monken Ignores Watson's $230 Million Fan Flap
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Aug 23
Summary
Monday is the target for Cleveland to choose between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, with Todd Monken saying Watson's postgame criticism of fans will not sway the call.
5-of-12 passing for 35 yards and an interception in Saturday's 31-7 preseason loss to Buffalo fueled the latest scrutiny, but Monken said the staff will judge the full body of work, not one half or one emotional moment.
Watson said boos in his first home game since his 2024 Achilles tear were "disrespectful" and claimed fans had also cheered when he was injured, adding that if he starts it could feel like "17 away games."
First-team reps have been split throughout camp, with Watson starting the opener against Chicago and Sanders starting against Buffalo, leaving Monken focused on who gives the Browns the best chance to win Week 1.
Watson remains a polarizing figure after Cleveland traded three first-round picks and gave him a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal in 2022; suspensions and injuries have limited him to 19 games.