Yahoo Sports NFL on Deshaun Watson

ArticleDeshaun Watson’s contract: Browns can release him, but huge salary cap pain in...
Read the full article

From the article

Before the Cleveland Browns took the field against the Buffalo Bills, most believed that Deshaun Watson was going to be named the starter for the 2026 NFL season, as soon as after the game. Shedeur Sanders was given the start in the second preseason game, but HC Todd Monken's process seemed to be leaning pretty strongly toward the veteran. Then Cleveland looked like they no longer "belonged" playing with Buffalo; Sanders looked okay, Watson looked terrible, the veteran then had a horrible press conference, and many are wondering if his statements will impact the starting quarterback competition.
Captured by STACKED 6 hr after posting

STACKED’s take

Negative signalRole

Watson's poor preseason showing and press conference threaten his 2026 starter status.

Watson was expected to be named starter for 2026 after the preseason game against Buffalo, but looked terrible in the game and had a horrible press conference that may impact the starting quarterback competition; Shedeur Sanders started the second preseason game and HC Todd Monken's process seemed to lean toward the veteran, but Watson's poor performance has thrown the competition into question.

Deshaun Watson headshotDeshaun WatsonQB · CLEPlayer page — value, ADP, projections, and every insight

More on Deshaun Watson and from Yahoo Sports NFL