Full Breakdown
Browns Set Preseason Quarterback Starts Amid Ongoing Competition
8/13/2026, 7:52:17 AM
Core Event
Cleveland head coach Todd Monken announced that veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson will start the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears, while second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders will start the second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Each will play the first half of his respective game, with the other taking over in the third quarter. The plan was communicated to the quarterbacks on August 12, 2026 and the Bills game is scheduled for August 22.
Background & Context
The Browns acquired Watson in March 2022 on a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. Injuries and a suspension have limited him to 19 games, and he has not taken a regular-season snap since October 2024.
Sanders entered Cleveland as a fifth-round pick in the 2025 draft. He started seven of eight games as a rookie, posting a 3-4 record, 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns and ten interceptions. The Browns also retain Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green, but Watson and Sanders have been the primary focus of practice reps.
Data & Statistics
- Watson’s total QBR with the Browns is 33.1, which would rank last among qualifying quarterbacks if he had enough starts.
- Sanders recorded an 18.9 QBR as a rookie, the fifth-lowest among 696 quarterbacks with at least 200 attempts since 2006.
- Watson’s contract guarantees $46 million in cash for the 2026 season, the final year of his deal.
Official Statements & Responses
Monken said the Browns will “assess” each quarterback weekly, noting that limited preseason snaps are intended to evaluate performance under live-game conditions.
Watson called the preseason “a great opportunity” and said he is “super excited” to showcase his work with the training staff and coaches.
Why It Matters
The preseason starts provide the first tangible game-film of Watson since his Achilles injuries and the first live-action comparison between him and Sanders. The outcomes could influence the Browns’ Week 1 starter decision, affect Watson’s market value in the final year of his contract, and shape the team’s long-term quarterback strategy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I have my reasons for how it’s going to go, and it’s still a competition,” — Todd Monken
- “We’re going to see both of them,” — Todd Monken
- “We approach practice like a game,” — Shedeur Sanders
What’s Next
- Preseason opener: Browns vs. Bears in Chicago – Watson starts, Sanders plays the third quarter.
- Second preseason game: Browns vs. Bills in Cleveland on August 22 – Sanders starts, Watson plays the third quarter.
- Final preseason matchup: Browns vs. New England Patriots later in the preseason, offering another chance to evaluate all four quarterbacks before the regular season begins.
The Browns’ approach creates a rare scenario in which two quarterbacks receive meaningful preseason reps, allowing fans and analysts to gauge which player is best positioned to lead Cleveland’s offense moving forward.
