Deshaun Watson’s Postgame Remarks About Browns Fans Won’t Affect Todd Monken’s QB1 Decision

Todd Monken will reveal the name of the Browns starting quarterback ahead of their final preseason game.

Deshaun Watson’s Postgame Remarks About Browns Fans Won’t Affect Todd Monken’s QB1 Decision

Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson (Image via IMAGO)

The Cleveland Browns will soon pick their starting quarterback between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. Head coach Todd Monken confirmed that Watson’s postgame comments following the Browns’ preseason defeat to the Buffalo Bills would not affect his decision.

On Saturday, the Browns booed Watson the entire time he was on the field against the Bills. Monken sympathized with the veteran signal-caller.

None of us like to be booed. We all like to be appreciated. I think that’s just human [nature]. I think [Deshaun] emptied his heart a little bit. I don’t think that says who he is. I see the competitor in him. I see the everyday work he puts in. He wants to get back to where he was as best as he can. And that’s hard. I think the moment just got him after the game, and it can get all of us.

Todd Monken told reporters on a Zoom call

Watson played relatively well in his first game in over twenty months when the Browns faced off against the Chicago Bears. He managed the game well, completing 11 of his 15 passes for 126 yards. He could not keep the momentum going in the Bills game. Watson threw for 5 completions on 12 attempts for 36 yards and one interception while being booed by fans the entire time.

I think the whole world knows it has nothing to do about the performance.

Watson said after the game

The Browns still have one more exhibition game left. Monken revealed the Browns will learn the name of their starting quarterback before that.

We anticipate naming the starter tomorrow [Monday].

Monken said
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Watson’s postgame comments did not go unnoticed. Even Shedeur Sanders was unhappy with how Watson was treated.

Deshaun Watson’s Postgame Remarks About Browns Fans Won't Affect Todd Monken's QB1 Decision
Deshaun Watson (Image via IMAGO)

Meanwhile, NFL Network’s draft expert Daniel Jeremiah viewed Watson’s outburst differently. Jeremiah speculated that Watson could be frustrated with his preseason performances, which could result in him losing his job. If that happens, Jeremiah advised the Browns to cut Watson even though they have to pay him $40 million for the 2026 season.

I don’t know how you come out of what you’ve seen from the performance and then marry up with just where he is right now mentally and emotionally and how he has a chance to win this job. That feels like, and he might even know it, that was almost a designed frustration, all kind of bubbling up to the surface there. I don’t see the path forward there. That interview, where he is right now, does not sound like someone who…I don’t really think want this job at this point in time, he wants a new opportunity somewhere else, is the vibe that I’m getting.

Daniel Jeremiah said on the NFL Gameday Kickoff show

In 2022, the Browns traded first-round picks and multiple players to the Houston Texans for Watson even though he was battling a a serious lawsuit. Moreover, they signed Watson to a mind-boggling five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract.

The NFL finally suspended Watson for the first 11 games of the season. Over the next four years, Watson went 9-10 in the regular season. In 2024, he suffered a season-ending Achilles tear and, a few months later, hurt his other Achilles. The rehab forced him to stay away from football for close to twenty months.

The Browns tried out several different quarterbacks in his absence. Last year, they drafted Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Sanders has emerged as Watson’s primary competitor for the Browns’ QB1 job.

The Browns host the New England Patriots in their final preparation game. In the second week of September, they travel to Florida to kick off their regular season campaign against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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