Browns to Name Week 1 Starting Quarterback Monday as Watson Eyes First 2 Games

Q: Will a massive guaranteed contract force Cleveland to start Deshaun Watson despite Shedeur Sanders outplaying him?

Probably not for long. Cleveland’s $230 million fully guaranteed commitment to Deshaun Watson may help explain why he is still the likely Week 1 starter, but the reporting around Todd Monken’s decision makes clear the job is not being treated as untouchable. Monken has repeatedly framed the choice as a short-term football decision based on the “full body of work” and who gives the Browns the best chance to win Week 1. He has also signaled that the first two road games could function as an evaluation window, and that the opening starter would be the quarterback most at risk of being benched if the offense struggles. That strongly suggests the contract does not guarantee Watson a long runway. The money does matter institutionally. Cleveland traded heavily for Watson, is still tied to the final year of the deal, and has reasons to see whether he can still justify any of that investment. That makes it easier to understand why he remains the favorite despite a poor preseason outing against Buffalo, where he went 5-of-12 for 35 yards and an interception. But Sanders has made the competition real. He outperformed Watson in the Bills game, has split first-team reps through camp, and has earned praise for progress in command and poise. Even Monken’s own comments indicate this is not a symbolic battle. So the contract may influence the opening decision, but it is unlikely to force Cleveland to stay with Watson if Sanders continues to play better and the Browns do not win early.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 23

Monday’s announcement will decide Cleveland’s Week 1 starter, with Todd Monken expected to reveal the choice before his 12:50 p.m. ET media session.
Deshaun Watson appears firmly in the mix after Monken downplayed Watson’s comments about being loudly booed by Browns fans following Saturday’s game.
Two road games — at Jacksonville and Tampa Bay — could give the opening starter a short leash rather than a full 17-game commitment, with Monken seemingly focused on early performance.
A 2-0 start would likely change the mood before Cleveland’s Week 3 home opener against Carolina, while a poor opening could quickly trigger a quarterback switch.