Monken: Watson's remarks won't influence quarterback choice for the Browns.

In Berea, Ohio, Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken is set to announce the team's starting quarterback for the upcoming season on Monday, with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders both in contention for the role. Monken addressed the media on Sunday, clarifying that Watson's recent comments regarding the home crowd's reaction during a preseason game would not influence his decision-making process.

Watson, who faced boos from fans during the Browns' 31-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills, expressed his feelings about the crowd's response, calling it "disrespectful." Monken defended Watson, stating, "He emptied his heart a little bit, and I don't think that says who he is. I see the competitor in him. He wants to get back to where he was, and that's hard." Watson's performance in the game was challenging, completing only 5 of 12 passes for 35 yards and throwing an interception during the second half.

This preseason marked Watson's first home game since suffering a torn right Achilles tendon in October 2024, an injury that required two surgeries and sidelined him for the entire 2025 season. After the game, Watson reflected on the crowd's reaction, stating, "The whole world knows it has nothing to do about the performance. It's a little bit more personal than that." He recalled the last time he played at home, when he was injured and the fans cheered, questioning the loyalty of the fanbase.

Throughout the offseason and training camp, both Watson and Sanders have been sharing first-team practice reps. Watson started the first half of the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears, while Sanders took the lead in the second game against the Bills. Monken emphasized the importance of evaluating the entire body of work from both quarterbacks, stating, "I'm not going to let one half of football dictate what our decision is going to be." He reiterated that the focus remains on which player can best lead the team to victory in Week 1.

Watson's tenure with the Browns has been marked by controversy since the team traded three first-round picks to acquire him from the Houston Texans in March 2022. Following allegations of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct, Watson faced an 11-game suspension and a $5 million fine, as well as a mandated treatment program. Despite these challenges, Monken remains focused on the team's performance, stating, "When you play well, none of the other stuff matters." As the Browns prepare for the season, the decision on the starting quarterback will be pivotal for the team's success moving forward.