Fans react as Browns name Deshaun Watson QB1 over Shedeur Sanders

Todd Monken made his final decision: Deshaun Watson won the battle over Shedeur Sanders and will be the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns in Week 1 as reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz on X.

This sparked a flood of reactions from fans on the social media platform. “This is why the Browns will be the Browns,” one user wrote, clearly lacking optimism. Another commented: “Horrible…… how you trying to rebuild franchise with a QB that won’t be on the team next year.”

Fans of other teams also weighed in on the situation: “I can’t imagine what it’s like to be a Browns fan.” Meanwhile, others continued calling for Shedeur: “This is crazy, my boy Shedeur Sanders deserves a shot.”

During his latest outing, Watson was booed by Browns fans, something Sanders himself questioned. Despite the criticism and lack of support from the fans, Monken prefers the experience of No. 4 over the youth of the former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback.

Shedeur Sanders #2 and Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns warm up.

Why are Browns fans turning against Watson?

The backlash from Dawg Pound fans toward Deshaun Watson comes down to a brutal combination of a colossal contract and terrible production. Handing over three first-round picks for a fully guaranteed $230 million deal was a massive, all-in gamble, and the return on investment has been a total nightmare.

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Between nagging injuries, inconsistent play, and looking like a shell of his former self on the field, fans feel like the franchise completely blew its future on a guy who just isn’t delivering.

A tough debut for Watson in the 2026 NFL season

The Browns want to be a tough team to beat in the AFC North, and with Deshaun Watson at the helm, they will look to get off to a strong start. It won’t be easy, as both their first and second games will be on the road.

The highly anticipated debut will take place on Sunday, September 13, in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. In Week 2, they will remain in Florida, visiting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers seven days later. Their first game at Huntington Bank Stadium will be against the Carolina Panthers, while in Week 4, Cleveland will host the Pittsburgh Steelers.