Watson Named Browns' Starting QB for Week 1

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Honken has confirmed that veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson will be the team's starter in Week 1, moving rookie Shedeur Sanders to the backup role. Honken stated that he doesn't anticipate the decision at quarterback to be a 'week-to-week' situation.

Watson missed all of the 2025 season recovering from a second Achilles surgery, which he suffered in October 2024. The 28-year-old, who signed a five-year, $230 million contract with Cleveland in 2022, has had a tumultuous tenure with the Browns, including an 11-game suspension in 2022 due to allegations of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct. Despite his limited playing time with the Browns - just 19 starts since 2022 - the team is entrusting Watson with the starting role once again. michezonews.co.za