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Browns Name Deshaun Watson Week 1 Starter

8/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Cleveland Browns announced quarterback Deshaun Watson as the Week 1 starter.
Watson enters the final year of a fully guaranteed $230 million contract with a $40 million cap hit.
Coach Todd Monken said Watson’s experience and contract outweigh backup Shedeur Sanders’ developmental upside.
Watson will start the season at Jacksonville on Sept. 13 before traveling to Tampa Bay.

History

Historical Context

In March 2020 the Kansas City Chiefs locked quarterback Patrick Mahomes to a ten-year, $450 million extension, the NFL’s first fully guaranteed deal exceeding $200 million. The precedent prompted the Cleveland Browns to name Deshaun Watson starter and sign him to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. These moves have forced other franchises to rethink quarterback payrolls.

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Story summary

The Cleveland Browns announced quarterback Deshaun Watson as the Week 1 starter.
Watson enters the final year of a fully guaranteed $230 million contract with a $40 million cap hit.
Coach Todd Monken said Watson’s experience and contract outweigh backup Shedeur Sanders’ developmental upside.
Watson will start the season at Jacksonville on Sept. 13 before traveling to Tampa Bay.

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