NFL News and Notes August 28: Browns Name Watson Starting QB
The final week of preseason action in the NFL kicked off Thursday night and runs through Saturday. Roster cutdowns to 53-man rosters are slated to be completed by 6 pm ET Sunday evening. That means we’re going to see close to 1,000 guys that were in uniform the past few weeks cut. Some will catch on with practice squads while others likely wait for injuries or potential chances to get a call to land somewhere.
There was plenty of other news that is relevant in the last couple of days with veterans expected to make an impact. Let’s break down some of that news and what it means going forward.
10 x $100 bet match in FanCash Bet $20, Get $350 Bonus Bets Colts Activate Alec Pierce From PUP List
Alec Pierce was a breakout receiver last season for Indianapolis. He reeled in 47 balls for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns on the year. In addition, it marked the second straight year that he led the league in yards per reception. His 21.3-yard per catch average was down just slightly from the 22.3-yard per reception mark he posted in 2024. That was enough to get the Colts to pony up big money in an extension in the offseason. In addition, it led to them jettisoning Michael Pittman Jr. to Pittsburgh. Conversely, they signed Keenan Allen during camp and it remains to be seen if he makes the team.
Pierce was activated from the PUP list this week after recovering from offseason ankle surgery. While the move is a positive toward his status for playing in week one, the fact remains there are concerns. Can Pierce be a #1 receiver in the NFL? His catch percentage last year was just 56%. Meanwhile, his career mark for his four years in the league is actually lower than that mark at 53%. He’s a splash play guy but he needs more consistency for consideration in the upper echelon of targets around the league.
Watson Named Browns Starting QB
In what might be the most underwhelming decision made this offseason, coach Todd Monken announced that Deshaun Watson had won the starting quarterback job prior to Thursday’s preseason finale. The Browns were outscored by a combined 65-17 margin in their two preseason games before bombing New England 37-13. Meanwhile, neither quarterback was overly impressive in preseason. Watson finished 16 of 27 passing for 162 yards and an interception in preseason action. In addition, Shedeur Sanders ended 15 of 22 passing for 153 yards, one touchdown and two picks in the preseason.
Conventional wisdom says Watson is getting a shot here because of the fact that he’s a sunk cost. It’s the final year of a five-year, $230 million deal that he signed after coming over in a trade with the Texans. No team is going to pick up Watson on that kind of money. Sanders had his moments last season as a rookie but left plenty to be desired. It’s unclear what kind of leash Watson has right now or if Monken will switch at a moment’s notice. The Browns could be just as well off with Brian Sipe, Bernie Kosar, Tim Couch, Kelly Holcomb, Tom Tupa or Don Strock at quarterback right now. It looks like another lost season for the Browns in 2026.
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NFL News and Notes August 28: Browns Name Watson Starting QB
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