The Cleveland Browns face a complicated decision at quarterback, but one prominent voice doesn’t see why the team wouldn’t give Deshaun Watson one final opportunity.
The Browns acquired Watson in a blockbuster trade in 2022, hoping to finally put an end to the franchise’s decades-long quarterback carousel. Instead, the move has backfired — a “swing and miss,” as owner Jimmy Haslam previously described it.
Watson signed a fully guaranteed $230 million contract but has appeared in just 19 games over four seasons due to suspension and injuries. In those starts, he posted a 9-10 record while throwing for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
The former Pro Bowler missed the entire season while rehabbing a twice-torn Achilles. Although he returned to practice in December, Watson was never activated to the 53-man roster.
Following the firing of head coach Kevin Stefanski, longtime NFL analyst Rich Eisen believes the Browns’ most logical path forward at quarterback is to see whether Watson can rebound, especially given the financial commitment already on the books.
“The Browns are moving on, and whoever takes the job has some young players who just balled out, the sixth overall pick, and Deshaun Watson,” Eisen said. “Why wouldn’t they give it one last run? For all the money you’ve put in his pocket, if he’s ready to play, see what he’s got.
“We’ve seen (Aaron) Rodgers at age 42, a year removed from an Achilles. We’ve seen what Kirk Cousins looks like, now a year removed from an Achilles. Deshaun Watson is a spring chicken compared to those guys.”
Browns Make Decision on Deshaun Watson’s Future
The Browns have a big question at quarterback. But the team also made it clear that Watson will be on the roster next season, although his role is still to be determined.
“First I’ll say we’re very pleased with how Deshaun went through and attacked his rehab this past year, how he engaged with the team, what he did in the meeting rooms,” Browns general manager Andrew Berry said. “Very pleased with the progress that he made in that regard. Look, I can never predict the future, but right now we do anticipate him being on the 2026 team. But we have a long way to go before we get to that point with any player.”
The Browns don’t have much of a choice. Watson is set to enter the final year of his contract next season, carrying a $80.716 million cap hit. Trading or releasing him would trigger prohibitive dead money, making it nearly impossible for the Browns to field a competitive roster.
Browns to Don’t Commit to Shedeur Sanders
The other in-house option at quarterback is Shedeur Sanders, who started the final seven games of the season. The rookie threw for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions during that stretch. While he flashed growth and poise at times, the overall body of work wasn’t enough for Cleveland to enter the offseason ready to crown him the unquestioned starter.
“We’re going to do our work on the quarterback market,” Berry said. “It’s too important of a position and it’s something that has to be solidified.”
Sanders didn’t shy away from expressing confidence in his development, but he also recognized that the decision on his role moving forward rests with the organization.
“I think I did what I was able to do, and I definitely grew from a lot of things. I’ve got experience now,” Sanders said. “Confidence-wise, I’m there, but that’s not in my hands. That’s not my decision. I can’t speak on what other people feel.”
The Browns also hold the No. 6 overall pick but may not be in the range to draft any of the top options expected to come out in the draft.
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