Stern warning to Todd Monken: Benching Deshaun Watson in favor of Shedeur Sanders is grounds for dismissal

Todd Monken ’s quarterback decision was never going to be judged only on preseason statistics. According to former NFL lineman Breiden Fehoko , the money tied to Deshaun Watson made the choice far more complicated for the Cleveland Browns coach.

Before Cleveland officially named Watson its Week 1 starter over Shedeur Sanders , Fehoko , a former LSU teammate of Joe Burrow , argued that starting the younger quarterback carried the greater professional risk.

“It’s as simple as this in the NFL,” Fehoko wrote on social media. “If you start the guy who has more financial commitment by ownership you will never be at fault if he doesn’t pan out.

“You start the unproven guy over the higher paid proven vet and unproven guy plays like a** that’s how you get fired.”

That argument framed the Browns ’ competition as more than a football decision.

Watson is entering the final season of the fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal Cleveland gave him after acquiring him from Houston, while Sanders is still trying to establish himself as an NFL starter.

One bad outing didn't decide competition

The preseason numbers didn't provide an obvious separation between the two quarterbacks. Watson completed 16 of 27 passes for 162 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. Sanders went 15 of 22 for 153 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

The pressure intensified after Wat s on struggled against Buffalo, completing 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards with an interception while being booed by sections of the home crowd.

Still, Monken made clear that he wouldn't let one difficult appearance determine the outcome.

“Even with yesterday, we have to take in the full body of work,” Monken said. “I look at it: What has been the full body of work? And then ultimately who gives us the best chance to win Week 1?”

He added: “I’m not going to let one half of football, one frustrating moment, dictate what our decision is going to be that we think is in the best interest of the Browns moving forward and especially Week 1.”

Browns hand Watson the job

Cleveland ultimately chose Watson , with Monken saying the veteran gives the offense its best chance to move the ball and score points.

The coach also emphasized that the Browns aren't treating the decision as a weekly competition, giving Watson an opportunity to establish himself without immediately looking over his shoulder.

That doesn't mean Cleveland has lost confidence in Sanders . Monken said the organization remains excited about his future, but the immediate priority is opening the season with the quarterback the staff believes offers the strongest chance to win.

The coach was equally direct when discussing the boos directed at Watson .

“Hey, how does it feel to get booed? It’s a pretty easy question,” Monken said. “It sucks. I don’t want to get booed. It comes with the territory. You don’t want to get booed? Let’s play good football.”

The Browns now have their answer. Whether Watson validates it when the regular season begins against Jacksonville on September 13 will determine how quickly the debate returns.