Former Browns QB Claims Deshaun Watson Wasn't Todd Monken's Choice to Start

Robert Griffin III argues that Deshaun Watson’s return as QB1 with the Cleveland Browns was not Todd Monken’s decision. Speaking on the context of the controversy surrounding Watson’s starting role, Griffin said, “There’s no way in heck” that Monken chose Watson, pointing to comments, demeanor, and differences in how Monken reportedly spoke about Shedeur Sanders versus Watson. Griffin noted that the day before Watson was named starter again, he struggled in a preseason game against the Bills, going 5 of 12 for 36 yards with an interception in a 31-7 loss. Griffin also referenced Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam’s March 2025 remark calling the Watson trade a “big swing and a miss.”