The Cleveland Browns' quarterback controversy just took a dramatic twist. A new report claims that head coach Todd Monken wasn't the one who ultimately decided to start Deshaun Watson in Week 1 — the front office reportedly made that call.
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III dropped a bombshell on social media, alleging that Watson was not Monken's choice. According to Griffin, many within the organization believed Shedeur Sanders was the better option, especially after Watson's recent public spat with fans. Watson's criticism of the fan base had already stirred controversy, but Griffin's claim takes it to another level.
"Sources tell me Deshaun Watson WAS NOT Todd Monken's choice as the starter and many in the building thought Shedeur Sanders was the right move for the team on and off the field after Watson attacked the fans," Griffin wrote. "Browns want Deshaun to play for his pay. The fans deserve better."
This report has yet to be confirmed by other insiders, but it adds fuel to an already blazing fire. The Browns signed Watson to a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract in 2022, and with that kind of investment, the front office may feel compelled to see him on the field.
Monken, however, publicly defended the decision, saying he evaluated the "whole body of work" from offseason through training camp and preseason games. "I took in the whole body of work over the course of offseason to training camp to games, 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 told reporters.
But if Griffin's sources are accurate, Monken's words may not reflect his true feelings. The situation echoes the quarterback turmoil in Atlanta, where decisions are being made under pressure.
Watson's preseason struggles were hard to ignore. He failed to generate consistent offense and then lashed out at fans who booed him, calling their reaction disrespectful. That behavior reportedly didn't sit well with teammates and staff, many of whom saw Sanders as the more promising option for both on-field performance and team morale.
Sanders, a rookie, finished his first season with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions. While his numbers show room for growth, his potential has excited fans and analysts alike. Monken, however, insists this isn't a week-to-week decision. "I think Shedeur has done a great job, come a long ways, and we're excited about his future," he said. "But this is not a week-to-week decision."
Still, the outrage over Sanders' benching continues to grow. Fans in Cleveland have made their feelings clear, and some have even been urged to skip games in protest. The Browns' brass may be betting on Watson's contract, but they're risking the trust of their fan base.
As the season opener against the Jaguars approaches, all eyes will be on Cleveland. Will Watson prove his worth, or will the front office's meddling backfire? One thing's for sure: this story is far from over.
