NFL

Cleveland Browns to Assess Quarterback Future Following Week 2 Clash

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 20, 2026, 16:36 IST

The Cleveland Browns are set to evaluate their quarterback position after Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with Deshaun Watson's performance serving as a critical factor in the team's long-term planning.

Cleveland Browns to Assess Quarterback Future Following Week 2 Clash

The Cleveland Browns are approaching a pivotal juncture regarding their quarterback situation, with the team expected to conduct a formal evaluation of the position following their Week 2 road matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While Deshaun Watson remains the starter for this weekend's contest, the outcome of the first two games of the season is widely viewed as a natural checkpoint for the coaching staff to determine their path forward.

Although no definitive decision has been finalized for Week 3, the organization is reportedly considering the return to Cleveland for their home opener as a potential moment to reassess the roster. Should the team decide to move in a different direction, Shedeur Sanders is currently positioned as the next option in the depth chart. The upcoming game against Tampa Bay will be instrumental in shaping the front office's perspective on whether Watson remains a viable long-term leader for the franchise.

Evaluating the Path Forward

Watson secured the starting role for the opening weeks based on his experience and his performance during training camp. However, the team's offensive execution during their 34-10 season-opening defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars left internal stakeholders frustrated. Despite the collective struggles of the team, the spotlight remains firmly on the quarterback's ability to command the offense effectively.

In the loss to Jacksonville, Watson completed 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards, recording one touchdown and one interception. Following that performance, coach Todd Monken expressed an intent to maintain continuity, noting that the game film supported his decision to stick with the veteran. Monken acknowledged the need for improvement across the board, stating that the team must play better around the quarterback, while also emphasizing that the play-calling and Watson's individual execution require refinement.

The Browns are operating with a clear objective: they must determine if they possess a franchise-caliber quarterback on their current roster. With multiple first-round selections available in the 2027 draft, the organization is positioned to explore top collegiate prospects if they conclude that a change is necessary. Consequently, the team is prioritizing a thorough evaluation to ensure they have a definitive answer regarding their future under center.