Browns Name Deshaun Watson Starter in Final Season of $230M Deal
Watson called Cleveland fans "disrespectful" for booing him.
Deshaun Watson has been announced as the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback for the upcoming season, despite a poor preseason performance that saw him receive boos from fans. Coach Todd Monken confirmed Watson's starting role for the team's season opener against Jacksonville on September 13. Watson, entering his fifth year with the Browns, had previously signed a five-year, $230 million contract.
He is set to face the Panthers in a home opener on September 27 and the Buccaneers in a Week 2 game on September 20. Watson, who missed the entire 2024 season due to an Achilles tendon injury, has played in only 19 games over his last four seasons with the Browns, tallying 19 passing touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Following a recent loss to the Bills, Watson expressed personal disappointment over the boos, stating that it was more personal than the performance itself.
The Browns, who have faced criticism for trading multiple first-round picks for Watson, acknowledge it as a significant gamble with a high cost, including a $46 million guaranteed salary for this season.
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