While most analysts thought Deshaun Watson would be the one who would actually win the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback job based on Todd Monken’s handling of him and Shedeur Sanders in the preseason games, the former Houston Texans star’s viral press conference statements have led to many individuals changing their verdict on the quarterback battle.
Mitchell Schwartz Sounds Off on Deshaun Watson’s Viral Statements
When Watson took the field in the Week 2 preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills, fans booed the veteran and expressed their unhappiness with the franchise’s decision.
Talking about the situation in a postgame press conference, Watson said he didn’t have a reaction and added that he believes the fan reaction has nothing to do with performance.
Watson claimed that the reaction is more “personal” than that and called it “disrespectful.” The Browns’ $230 million quarterback also recalled how the fans cheered when he tore his Achilles on the field back in 2024.
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Super Bowl champion Mitchell Schwartz joined a long list of former players and analysts to share his frustration with Watson’s statement.
“The funny thing about the Deshaun Watson situation is it’s entirely about his play,” Schwartz said on X. “The fans (mostly) loved him the first year or two and defended him. Since then, everything has to do with how bad he’s been in conjunction with his contract. The personal side is the cherry on top.”
The funny thing about the Deshaun Watson situation is it’s entirely about his play. The fans (mostly) loved him the first year or two and defended him. Since then, everything has to do with how bad he’s been in conjunction with his contract. The personal side is the cherry on top
— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71) August 23, 2026
Watson also mentioned that he thought working on himself to come back from two Achilles injuries, putting in the time being around the facility, being around the city, doing charity, and hanging out with the fans when he sees them would help, which hasn’t been the case.
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The Browns quarterback added that this is why he says it’s personal and that people have their opinions; there is only so much one can do to change that.
Sanders also jumped to Watson’s defense and told the press he doesn’t appreciate the fans booing the veteran player, adding that regardless of the competition, they are all human beings.
The former Colorado star sent a message to the fans saying that the team appreciates them for showing up; however, despite what they must feel about Watson, it’s more about a bigger purpose and respect.
Sanders finished 2025 with a 63.0 PFN QB Impact score, ranking 37th among 38 qualifying quarterbacks. He threw for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while completing 56.6% of his passes.
Monken hasn’t yet decided who the Browns’ starting quarterback will be, but the general sentiment is that, despite Watson’s advantage throughout the offseason, his recent comments toward the team’s fans might force the franchise to name Sanders as the QB1.
