Mina Kimes Goes Nuclear On The Cleveland Browns For Naming Deshaun Watson As Their Starting QB [VIDEO]
Kimes didn’t hold back.
Mina Kimes did not hold back after the Cleveland Browns named Deshaun Watson their starting quarterback for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. The ESPN analyst posted a strong video statement criticizing the move. She tore into both Watson and the organization for the choice over second-year quarterback, Shedeur Sanders.
The Browns made the call on Monday. Coach Todd Monken said Watson offered the best chance to move the ball on the road. Watson had struggled in preseason appearances. He completed few deep throws and drew heavy boos at home.
Deshaun Watson Comments Spark Mina Kimes Fury
Mina Kimes (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
Kimes highlighted Watson’s recent remarks. He first said he did not care about possible boos. After fans actually booed him, he changed tone. He called the reaction disrespectful and personal.
“This coming off of the heels of two fairly dismal preseason performances,” Kimes said.
She noted he failed to push the ball downfield. She also referenced his response to the crowd. Fans had already voiced frustration after years of limited production.
Watson later admitted emotions got the best of him. He claimed to understand fan frustration. Kimes still saw little growth. She pointed to the 27 women who accused him of sexual assault and harassment. She noted the lack of visible remorse or accountability beyond his original suspension.
“Look, one might think that a guy after receiving $230 million guaranteed… would have at least developed the ability to feign some form of growth or remorse,” Kimes said. She argued the Browns enabled him instead of holding him accountable.
Kimes Says Deshaun Watson Decision Aligns Team Against Fans
Deshaun Watson (Photo Via Imagn Images)
Kimes rejected Watson’s claim that the boos were purely personal.
“I think Watson is wrong,” she stated. “I don’t think he’s being booed for personal reasons. Maybe by some! … But I think he’s being booed because he’s been bad at football.”
Quick thoughts on the Browns announcing Deshaun Watson is their starting QB
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— Mina Kimes (@minakimes.bsky.social) 24 de agosto de 2026 a las 14:02
She recalled covering the original trade closely. Good play and health would have won many fans over, she said. That never happened. The organization still chose Watson. Kimes said this proves the Browns align with their quarterback, not their loyal fanbase.
Shedeur Sanders had spoken up days earlier. He told fans he did not appreciate the boos directed at Watson. Watson himself had called the treatment personal and disrespectful after the Bills loss.
Kimes framed the decision as another example of the team ignoring fan sentiment. She argued Watson faced little real consequence from the Browns after the initial NFL suspension.
The quarterback battle drew heavy attention throughout camp. Sanders showed flashes in preseason. Watson brought more experience after missing the prior season with Achilles injuries. Monken still handed the job to Watson for the opener.
