Why is Deshaun Watson starting over Shedeur Sanders? 1 reported reason stands out

The Cleveland Browns have reportedly made their starting quarterback decision, and it may come as a surprise given everything we know and have seen thus far in the preseason: It’ll be the veteran Deshaun Watson over second-year player Shedeur Sanders.

Why would the Browns make that call after Watson’s struggles in training camp and a rant in which he called out fans for booing him, which may not stop anytime soon? There’s a reported answer, per Jordan Schultz: “In the end, the decision leaned toward Watson’s experience,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter). “But it’s my understanding that he will have to continue earning it once the season starts and the games are for real.”

Sources say that the decision between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders truly came down to the end. Both showed flashes of what a QB1 in Todd Monken’s offense could look like.

In the end, the decision leaned toward Watson’s experience. But it’s my understanding that he will… https://t.co/wxQoYlMlRlpic.twitter.com/JmOSb2RFv8

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— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 24, 2026

Does that mean Todd Monken will pull him quickly if he doesn’t prove his experience is winning out? We’ll see.

First two games on the road. Week 3 the #Browns‘ home opener. If he’s still the guy. https://t.co/fPa8QOSfwh

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 24, 2026

Here’s an intriguing wrinkle. If Watson struggles in the first two road games the Browns play, it might be an easier call to pull him and put in Sanders for Cleveland’s first home game of 2026 so that fans don’t boo.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why is Deshaun Watson starting over Shedeur Sanders? 1 reported reason stands out