Full Breakdown
Monken Sticks With Watson Amid Fan Backlash as Browns Gear Up for Season Opener
9/9/2026, 6:01:36 AM
Core Decision: Starting Deshaun Watson
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken announced that veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson will start the season-opening game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Monken made the decision less than 48 hours after Watson’s heated post-preseason press conference in which he criticized fans for booing him.
Background & Context
Monken was hired in January 2026, his first NFL head-coaching role after decades as an assistant. He replaced Kevin Stefanski, whose six-year tenure was the longest since Sam Rutigliano (1978-1984). The Browns acquired Watson in a March 2022 trade with the Houston Texans despite numerous sexual-misconduct accusations. Watson missed the 2022 season after an NFL suspension, suffered a right-shoulder injury in 2023, and endured two Achilles-tendon ruptures (Oct 2024 and Dec 2024) that kept him out through 2025. He returns on a $230 million, five-year contract now in its final year.
Data & Statistics
- Career record as a Browns starter: 9-10.
- 2020 season (Houston): 4,823 passing yards and 33 touchdowns.
- Injury history: right shoulder (2023), right Achilles (Oct 2024, Dec 2024).
Official Statements & Responses
Monken emphasized a “verbal contract” with Watson, saying he wants the quarterback to feel the team’s belief in him. Watson, addressing the fan backlash, said, “The whole world knows it has nothing to do with the performance,” and added, “I’ve been working for two years to show that I’m capable of being a starter for one of the 32 organizations in this league.”
On-the-Ground Reports
During the second preseason game at Huntington Bank Field, Watson was repeatedly booed after entering in the second half. The boos intensified with each mistake, culminating in a press conference where Watson accused fans of disrespect. Monken later described Watson’s mindset as “not in a great headspace” but framed it as a “speed bump” rather than a lasting issue.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact depth-chart hierarchy for the backup quarterback role. While Monken has repeatedly named Shedeur Sanders the primary backup, recent remarks leave open the possibility of activating sixth-round rookie Taylen Green for a special-packages role. No definitive roster decision has been announced.
What’s Next
- August 27, 2026 – Browns open the 2026 regular season on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
- Monken indicated a possible package involving Taylen Green, noting that “three is a lot” but leaving the option open.
- The team will employ rotating weekly captains, with Watson named one of the five captains for Week 1.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Could be. There could be a package where we have him,” — Todd Monken, Browns head coach
- “I’ve been working for two years to show that I’m capable of being a starter for one of the 32 organizations in this league,” — Deshaun Watson
