Browns rumors: Mike Florio makes Deshaun Watson prediction ahead of Todd Monken’s decision

The Cleveland Browns will soon be making a huge decision ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Browns head coach Todd Monken is expected to make a final decision on the team’s starting quarterback on Monday. Will he stick with Deshaun Watson or make the bold decision to go in another direction?

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk made his prediction about Cleveland’s big decision in a recent article. Florio pitched the possibility that Cleveland will give Watson a two-game trial as their starter.

“Based on Monken’s belief that quality play will quickly unruffle feathers, it’s possible that Monken is inclined to give Watson the first two games, both on the road at Jacksonville and Tampa Bay, to see if Watson can pull off an upset or two,” Florio wrote.

Browns fans may not appreciate that decision. They made their opinion clear when booing Deshaun Watson during a preseason game this weekend.

Still, Florio explained that a hot start for Watson and the Browns could silence his critics. It would also leave the Browns in a great position to start the season.

“If the Browns somehow start 2-0, the vibe could be much different when the Browns open their home schedule in Week 3 against the Panthers,” Florio added. “However it goes, it seems clear that Monken won’t be making a 17-game decision right out of the gates. The man who wins the job as of Week 1 also wins the privilege of being the first guy benched.”

If Cleveland does not go with Watson, they will almost certainly name Shedeur Sanders as their starting quarterback. But since Watson has the much shorter leash, it could make sense to start him right away. That way, he can be yanked from the starting line up in favor of Sanders whenever necessary.

Monken’s decision will be one of the first truly important decisions of the season for Cleveland. Browns fans can only hope that he makes the right decision for the team.

It will be fascinating to see which quarterback Monken chooses before the regular season.

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