CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns have made their decision at quarterback.

Head coach Todd Monken announced Monday that Deshaun Watson will start the Browns' regular-season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 13, ending a competition that stretched throughout the offseason and preseason.

Monken said the decision came after evaluating the quarterbacks' performances throughout organized team activities, training camp, joint practices and the preseason schedule. Ultimately, he believed Watson gives Cleveland the best opportunity to begin the season with a victory.

"Took in the full body of work over the course of the offseason, training camp, the games and the joint practice, and ultimately felt like, to start the season on the road, Deshaun gave us the best chance to move the ball and score points," Monken said.

Watson's return marks another milestone in his recovery from the Achilles injuries that sidelined him for the entire 2025 season. He appeared in each of Cleveland's first two preseason games, completing 16 of 27 passes for 162 yards while continuing to work his way back into game action.

The announcement also concludes weeks of speculation surrounding the Browns' quarterback room.

Shedeur Sanders, who started seven games for Cleveland last season, split first-team reps with Watson throughout much of training camp and started the Browns' second preseason game against Buffalo. Monken praised Sanders' development during camp, noting he had significantly narrowed the gap, but said the coaching staff believes Watson is the right choice to open the season.

The decision leaves Sanders in line to serve as Cleveland's primary backup entering Week 1, though the Browns also have Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green on the roster as they finalize their quarterback depth chart before the regular season.

Monken emphasized that the decision is not intended to be a week-to-week evaluation. Instead, the Browns plan to move forward with Watson as their starter while preparing for Jacksonville over the final weeks before the opener.

For Cleveland, the focus now shifts from evaluating quarterbacks to preparing for meaningful football. After an offseason filled with questions under center, the Browns have identified the player they believe gives them the best chance to begin the 2026 season on the right foot.