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NFL agent: Browns starting Watson is ‘a coach’s decision’ Published: Aug. 24, 2026 at 5:11 PM EDT|Updated: 14 hours ago CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Browns owner Jimmy Haslam probably had little to no impact on the Deshaun Watson decision, NFL superagent Leigh Steinberg told 19 News. Watson was named the starter Monday by head coach Todd Monken, much to the dismay of Browns fans and national media. Watson has gone 16-for-27 in 2 preseason losses with 0 TD and one interception. He’s 9-10 as a starter since joining Cleveland in 2022. Watson counts $40 million against this year’s salary cap and would count $86 million if the team cut him. Steinberg, an NFL agent since 1975, has represented 150 QBs, including Hall of Famers Steve Young, Warren Moon and Troy Aikman. Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.