Deshaun Watson is expected to remain with the Cleveland Browns next season, but his long-term future in the NFL appears increasingly uncertain.
Watson is heading into the final year of his contract with the Browns. Moving on from him before the deal expires would carry significant financial consequences for Cleveland. Browns general manager Andrew Berry has said he expects Watson to be on the roster next season.
“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. Very pleased with the progress that he made in that regard,” Berry said. “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.”
That gives Watson some short-term job security but Mike Sando of The Athletic doesn’t see the former Pro Bowl hanging around the NFL much longer.
“I’m going to lean towards no,” Sando said on 92.3 The Fan when asked about Watson being in the NFL beyond next season. “I don’t think he’s shown enough for people to take on the negativity that’s going to come in your market and organization when everyone relitigates all the garbage stuff that made him unattractive.”
Browns QB Deshaun Watson Eager to Prove Himself
Watson arrived in Cleveland in 2022 via a blockbuster trade. It’s been a major “swing and miss” for the Browns, as owner Jimmy Haslam put it. Cleveland gave up a treasure trove of picks in the move and handed Watson a fully guaranteed $230 million contract.
Watson’s availability has been a recurring issue during his time in Cleveland due to a lengthy suspension and multiple injuries. He is 9-10 as the Browns’ starting quarterback, delivering uneven results when on the field. In 19 starts with Cleveland, Watson has thrown for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Watson missed all of last season while recovering from a pair of Achilles surgeries. Although he returned to practice for a three-week stretch, he was never activated to the 53-man roster. Despite the uncertainty, Watson has made it clear that his intention is to return and show he can still be a viable starting quarterback.
“Credits haven’t rolled.. my story is still being written,” Watson wrote in a recent social media post.
Sando: Browns Need Options Beyond Shedeur Sanders
The Browns remain in quarterback limbo heading into the offseason. Shedeur Sanders, who started the final seven games of the season, appears to be in pole position for the starting job next year, although much can change in the coming months.
Sando thinks Sanders is a fine developmental option, but that the team should search for other options, especially with a new head coach coming in.
“I see him as a Browns quarterback. I don’t think you saw enough that a new coach coming will be made to commit to Shedeur Sanders,” Sando said. “I could see a development plan, having him on the roster, and trying to go with him. I just think you need more options.”
Sanders, Watson and Dillon Gabriel are all under contract for next season. The Browns hold two first round picks and could also look at some of the free agent options available, like Malik Willis.
Browns QB Deshaun Watson Gets Bad News on NFL Future