The Cleveland Browns have made their quarterback decision, but it has not been well received by their fanbase.
Despite the controversy surrounding Deshaun Watson’s recent comments about Cleveland fans, head coach Todd Monken and the Browns have decided to give the veteran quarterback the first opportunity to lead the offense.
That decision has quickly sparked backlash across NFL social media.
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Watson was heavily booed when he entered Cleveland’s preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills. After the 31-7 loss, he called the reaction “disrespectful” and suggested the boos were “personal”.
Rather than allowing the controversy to influence the quarterback competition, Cleveland’s coaching staff appears ready to move forward with Watson.
The veteran is entering the final year of his five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract, adding another layer to the decision.
Fans were quick to question the Browns’ approach.
One fan questioned the logic behind the decision, saying, “Dumbest plan ever, if you’re going to play him because of the money, why switch him out when things south?”
Dumbest plan ever, if you’re going to play him because of the money, why switch him out when things south?
— Alvin_II (@High_AlvinJr) August 24, 2026
Another fan was even more pessimistic about what could follow, writing, “Yeah this is going to be a train wreck.”
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One user on X expressed frustration with Cleveland’s history of questionable decisions, saying, “Browns will always make the worst decision.”
One person also criticized the organization, writing, “Just incompetence at the highest level.”
A user named ‘D TODD’ went a step further by suggesting Sanders could eventually look for an opportunity elsewhere, saying, “Sanders needs to ask to be moved. The Jets could use him.”
Sanders needs to ask to be moved. The Jets could use him.
— D TODD ™️ (@AntiBizle) August 24, 2026
Monken has defended Watson’s emotional postgame comments, saying that “none of us like to be booed” and describing Watson’s reaction as a human moment from a competitor who cares deeply about his work.
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While Watson has secured the starting role, Shedeur Sanders remains an intriguing alternative.
Sanders actually defended Watson against the fan reaction following the Buffalo game, but his own preseason performance has strengthened his case for playing time. He completed 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards with a touchdown and an interception, giving Browns fans a mixed but promising data point if Watson struggles.
That could make the pressure on Watson even greater once the regular season begins, as he is set to lead an offense that ranked worst in the league last season on PFN’s Offense Impact Rankings.
The Browns are now betting on their veteran quarterback despite the growing tension surrounding him. If Watson struggles early, however, the reaction from Cleveland’s fanbase could make the quarterback situation even more difficult for Monken and the organization.
