The Jacksonville Jaguars found out in May that they would face the Cleveland Browns in Week 1 of the regular season. They now know which quarterback they'll face after the Browns named their starter.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports that Deshaun Watson will be QB1 in the season opener. Head coach Todd Monken had stated the team would choose a starter the Monday before the preseason finale, so the news doesn't necessarily come as a surprise.
This is the first time Watson suits up for a regular-season contest since tearing his ACL in 2024. Leaving aside that the game will be at EverBank Stadium, the Jags couldn't have played the veteran quarterback at a better time.
The Jaguars will face an unpopular Deshaun Watson when they play the Browns
The Jaguars are 1-7 against Deshaun Watson, with their only win coming in the distant year of 2017. However, he's no longer the quarterback who suited up for the Houston Texans. The former Clemson Tiger has struggled during his stint with the Browns, and his popularity is at an all-time low.
Watson suited up for the Browns in Week 2 of the preseason and was loudly booed, something he wasn't thrilled about. He complained that he's loathed despite the fact that he's spent time with the Cleveland community and his philanthropic endeavours in the area.
What Watson fails to realize is that he hasn't lived up to expectations. He arrived in Cleveland via a blockbuster trade in which the Browns sent three first-round picks to the Texans. Not long after the deal, he signed a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract.
Since landing with the Browns, Watson appeared in just 19 games, registering a 61.2 percent completion rate for 3,365 yards with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. It's fair to say that Cleveland is on the wrong end of what's arguably the worst trade in NFL history.
Compounding the issue is that Watson had off-field issues that made him a toxic figure even before he was traded to the Browns. While some fans welcomed him despite the baggage, plenty of others weren't thrilled.
Fast forward to 2026, and Browns fans have turned their back on Watson, which is why Todd Monken's decision to start him is a bit odd. Then again, if he underperforms, he can easily be benched in favor of sophomore Shedeur Sanders.
You may also like: Christian Kirk faces a brutal NFL reality as career hangs in balance
The Jaguars have a favorable matchup against Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson isn't a popular figure in Cleveland, but that wouldn't matter if he were playing well. That's not the case, though, which is why the Jaguars should be hyped up to face him in Week 1of the preseason.
The Jags have talent at all three levels on defense. Their pass rush looks in much better shape than it did early in the offseason due to the emergence of B.J. Green II as the No. 3 pass rusher behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. Sure, Watson has a pair of talented wideouts in Jerry Jeudy and KC Concepcion. However, Jacksonville has the personnel to counter it with Travis Hunter and Montaric Brown slated to start at cornerback.
If that wasn't enough, the Jags excel at stymying the run, so Quinshon Judkins may have trouble finding room to run if he's available for the bout (he's dealing with a nagging injury.
When you add it all up, the Jaguars are in a position to force Deshaun Watson to put the team on his shoulders. Based on how his career has unfolded, that could turn into Jacksonville's first win of the 2026 regular season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google