Story perspectives

Monken Delays 2026 QB Choice; Watson Favored Despite Injury

5/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Head coach Todd Monken said he has not yet chosen a 2026 starting quarterback.
Reporters say quarterback Deshaun Watson holds an inside track over quarterback Shedeur Sanders after the minicamp.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson is under a guaranteed $230 million contract and has not played since re-tearing his Achilles in January 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders threw for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, 10 interceptions and completed 56.6% in seven 2025 starts.

History

Historical Context

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Todd Monken must decide whether to keep injured quarterback Deshaun Watson on a contract. The dilemma echoes the New York Giants’ 2019 season, when a series of high-value deals and the trade of Odell Beckham Jr. left the team at 4–12 and tightly constrained by salary-cap limits. Those past cap pressures have spurred debate over NFL’s escalating quarterback contracts.

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Story summary

Head coach Todd Monken said he has not yet chosen a 2026 starting quarterback.
Reporters say quarterback Deshaun Watson holds an inside track over quarterback Shedeur Sanders after the minicamp.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson is under a guaranteed $230 million contract and has not played since re-tearing his Achilles in January 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders threw for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, 10 interceptions and completed 56.6% in seven 2025 starts.

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