The Cleveland Browns officially named Deshaun Watson their starting quarterback for Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season, the team announced Monday morning. The decision comes despite Watson’s controversial remarks about Browns fans following a preseason loss and his underwhelming performance in that game.
Watson completed just 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and an interception in the Browns’ 31-7 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. Fans at home in Cleveland booed Watson repeatedly during the game, which followed his return from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in 2024. After the game, Watson criticized fan reactions as "disrespectful" and suggested he would prefer to play "17 away games" if named the starter.
Coach Todd Monken defends decision despite criticism
Head coach Todd Monken addressed Watson’s comments and performance during a Monday press conference, stating that he did not hold the quarterback’s remarks against him when making the decision. Monken described Watson as a competitor who has worked diligently to return from injury and earn the starting role.
"He emptied his heart a little bit, and I don't think that says who he is," Monken said. "I see the competitor in him. I see the every-day work he puts in, and he wants to be back. He wants to get back to where he was as best he can, and that's hard."
Monken also revealed that Shedeur Sanders, the rookie quarterback who competed with Watson for the starting job, reacted positively to the news. Monken described Sanders as understanding the "long game" and being focused on the team’s future development.
Watson’s comments draw widespread backlash
Watson’s post-game remarks about fan behavior sparked significant criticism from analysts, fans, and media figures. ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky suggested Browns fans "should not go to games" in response to the decision, while Kyle Brandt of "Good Morning Football" called Watson’s press conference "career-ending" and urged the Browns to cut him.
"I think the world of Todd Monken. I think he’s a great coach," Orlovsky said. "I have no idea how you could witness what you witnessed in that press conference and it not be a part of your evaluation and decision."
Brandt added, "You don’t openly engage and antagonize the fan base after another crap performance a couple weeks before the opener if you actually want the starting job."
Team investment and long-term outlook
The Browns traded for Watson in 2022, signing him to a $230 million contract, making him one of the highest-paid players in the NFL. However, his tenure in Cleveland has been marred by injuries and inconsistent play. In 19 games with the Browns, Watson has thrown 19 touchdowns against 12 interceptions, with his last regular-season appearance coming in 2020.
Despite the criticism, Monken emphasized that Watson remains the team’s most experienced option and that the organization continues to believe in his potential. The Browns will open the regular season against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13.