Cleveland Browns name Deshaun Watson 2026 starting quarterback

Deshaun Watson is officially the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback, and he knows winning the job doesn’t necessarily mean he’s won over Browns fans.

Watson said Monday he was excited to learn he had earned the starting job after spending much of the past two years working his way back onto the field.

“This is what I’ve been working for two years,” Watson said, adding that he didn’t know about the decision until he arrived at the Browns facility and spoke with head coach Todd Monken.

But Watson also used the news conference to address comments he made following Saturday’s preseason game and apologize for directing his frustration toward fans.

Watson said his emotions got the best of him after hearing the reaction from the crowd. He acknowledged that Cleveland invested heavily in him after acquiring him in 2022 and that his time with the Browns has not gone as either side hoped, with injuries, significant time away from the field and inconsistent play.

“I’m human, I take full responsibility of that,” Watson said.

He also acknowledged that respect from Browns fans is something he will have to earn.

“We haven’t gotten the product out of that investment so far,” Watson said. “I have another shot, I have another chance, so I want to make sure I take full responsibility of this opportunity.”

Watson said he believes the best way to change the relationship with fans is also the most obvious one: win.

He said he plans to focus on playing good football, putting points on the board and earning back the respect and loyalty of the fan base.

As for being named the starter, Watson called the opportunity exciting but said he understands the work that comes with it.

“There’s going to be a lot of ups and downs,” Watson said, “but at the same time, I’m excited to be a starting quarterback in this league, especially a starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns.”