‘Decision CLEARLY Above Todd Monken’ – Ex-NFL LB Suspects Jimmy Haslam’s Stepping Over Browns HC To Hand Deshaun Watson QB1 Job

Ex-NFL linebacker Will Compton expressed suspicion that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson's selection as Week 1 starter over rookie Shedeur Sanders was made above coaching head Todd Monken. Compton stated on X, "Feels like a decision CLEARLY above Todd Monken," though he did not provide any evidence to support his claim.

Monken clarified that the Browns assessed the "full body of work" from offseason preparations, training camp, preseason games, and joint practices before reaching their decision. He further explained that the coaching staff deliberated and concluded Watson was the better choice for Cleveland to have the best chance at moving the ball and scoring points.

The decision appears permanent, as Monken expressed confidence that Watson overtook Sanders in the evaluation process. However, Compton's suspicion stems from Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam's history of overruling Monken. Haslam acquired Watson from Houston in 2022 for $230 million and later called that decision a "big swing and miss."

Haslam also acknowledged that the original Watson acquisition was an organization-wide decision, and he and co-owner Dee Haslam ultimately bore responsibility. Despite the lack of verification, Compton's speculation highlights a pattern of organizational authority that could have influenced the quarterback competition outcome.