Sports · American Football · 9 hrs ago
Browns coach backs Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders
Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken chose Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders to lead the team at quarterback.
Monken said the decision came down to Watson showing more at his best, after the team compared workouts, training camp and preseason games.
The Browns are 4-2, and Watson has led four late drives that put Cleveland ahead, including wins over Pittsburgh and Baltimore.
Watson’s big plays have helped Cleveland win close games, though the offense also had a poor first half against Baltimore.
Sanders, who started seven games last season, has not played this season and has hired an agent, a move seen as a possible step toward leaving.
A trade may be difficult to arrange, as other teams would judge Sanders by the same standard and there has been little outside demand.
Cleveland next plays the 1-5 Tennessee Titans on Sunday, while the trade deadline is less than three weeks away.
Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken said he chose Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders because he saw more potential in Watson at his best.
The Browns were 4-2 six games into the 2026 season, and Watson had led four drives that put Cleveland ahead late in games.
Cleveland beat Baltimore 13-10 after Watson connected with Jerry Jeudy for 33 yards to set up the winning field goal.
Monken said Sanders had produced highlights but that Watson showed more at the top end.
Sanders, who hired an agent earlier in October, had not played this season, and the article said a trade could be difficult.
- Who
- Browns coach Todd Monken chose Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders.
- What
- Monken said he preferred Watson based on his potential at his best.
- When
- Monken settled on Watson on Aug. 24. The comments were reported on Oct. 23, 2026.
- Where
- Cleveland, Ohio.
- Why
- Monken said the staff saw more from Watson at the top end.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Sanders finished the season as Cleveland’s starter and went 3-4 in seven games.
Monken settled on Watson after evaluating offseason workouts, training camp, a joint session with Buffalo and two exhibition games.
Cleveland beat Pittsburgh 27-24 after a late scoring drive.
Watson had led four drives that put the Browns ahead late in games.
Sanders hired an agent earlier in the month, with the trade deadline less than three weeks away.
- Browns’ record
- 4-2 after six games
- Watson’s late-game drives
- 4 drives put Cleveland ahead late
- Baltimore final score
- Browns 13, Ravens 10
- Pittsburgh final score
- Browns 27, Steelers 24
- Sanders’ 2025 record as starter
- 3-4 in seven games
3 sources
What people are saying
but we just saw a little bit more from Deshaun at the top end.
I think you try to look at what a player’s best is and then try to minimize the weaknesses.
They want good football. They want our players to play well.
But he’s just got something in him, the ability to make a play when needed.