Browns Announce Decision on Deshaun Watson, Mason Graham Before NFL Season

Sports Browns Announce Decision on Deshaun Watson, Mason Graham Before NFL Season Deshaun Watson is heading into Week 1 as the centerpiece of the Cleveland Browns team that is still figuring out its identity under first-year head coach Todd Monken. The Browns closed out the preseason 1-2, taking lopsided losses to the Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills before rebounding with a 37-13 win over the New England Patriots in the finale. The Browns now shift their focus to the regular season, where the Jacksonville Jaguars await. Shedeur Sanders had built a real case for the starting job after flashing potential during a difficult 2025 season. Cleveland went just 5-12 a year ago, but Sanders won three of his starts, throwing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson and quarterback Shedeur Sanders during minicamp Ken Blaze-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect He's now sharing scout-team reps with rookie Taylen Green, while Dillon Gabriel remains sidelined on injured reserve. That leaves Watson with another shot to rewrite his Cleveland story. Injuries and suspensions have limited the QB to just 19 games with the Browns, over which he's thrown for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Healthy entering 2026, the former Houston Texans QB finally gets a full runway to show what he can still do. For Week 1, the Browns announced that Deshaun Watson will serve as one of Cleveland's offensive captains alongside guard Zion Johnson. Cornerback Tyson Campbell and 2025 fifth overall pick Mason Graham will represent the defense, while long snapper Rex Sunahara rounds out the group as special teams captain. On Monday, Monken addressed reporters with his plan to rotate team captains weekly, with the entire coaching staff wanting the young roster to earn recognition through performance rather than tenure. 'We're gonna have weekly captains,' Monken said. 'It'll vary week-to-week, and at the end of the season, the players will vote on the permanent 2026 captains. Each week will allow two offense, two defense, and a special teams captain.' Monken made clear the goal isn't limiting leadership to a handful of veterans – it's rewarding whoever's earning it that week. The Browns will open their season on the road against the Jaguars on September 13 at 1 p.m. ET. Cleveland Browns Essentials Related: Todd Monken Sends Strong Message After Shedeur Sanders Decision Copyright 2026 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved. This story was originally published September 7, 2026 at 11:43 AM.