Deshaun Watson appears ready for a fresh start with the Cleveland Browns following the firing of head coach Kevin Stefanski.
The Browns parted ways with Stefanski on Monday after six seasons at the helm. He compiled a 45-56 record, guiding Cleveland to two postseason appearances during his tenure.
“Tough day for the organization, tough day for me personally,” Browns general manager Andrew Berry said. “Kevin is like family. We all owe him a debt of gratitude and appreciation for the level of success he brought.”
One of the defining challenges of Stefanski’s time in Cleveland was the quarterback position. After an initial run with Baker Mayfield, the Browns made a blockbuster move in 2022, acquiring Watson in a trade that included a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. The decision has since been labeled a “swing and miss” by owner Jimmy Haslam, as injuries and inconsistency have limited Watson’s impact and constrained the franchise’s roster flexibility.
Watson missed the entire season while rehabbing a twice-torn Achilles. Although he returned to practice in December, he was never activated to the 53-man roster. Shortly after Stefanski’s dismissal, Watson posted a message on social media.
“Slow motion better than no motion,” Watson said, along with photos of him working out at the Browns’ facility.
Browns Expect Deshaun Watson on Roster Next Season
Watson’s contract runs through the end of next season, although his role is still undetermined. Berry said the Browns expect Watson to be on the roster next season as part of the quarterback room.
“I can never predict the future, but right now we do anticipate him being on the 2026 team,” Berry said.
The Browns need to find a new head coach but the quarterback situation is their most pressing concern. The team has not committed to Shedeur Sanders and holds two first-round picks, including No. 6 overall. Moving forward, Watson could be in the mix, per Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com.
Coming off surgery last January to repair his re-ruptured Achilles, Watson spent three weeks practicing with the Browns late in the season, and looked a lot like the premier quarterback for whom they traded in 2022,” Cabot said. “Depending on how things shake out, Watson will be given a chance to prove he can still win games for the Browns, and if he’s the most talented QB on the field like he was during those three weeks, he’ll have a shot to start the season.”
Shedeur Sanders Not Focusing on Browns QB Decision
Sanders started seven games for the Browns this season, going 3-4 in those starts. He passed for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The fifth-round pick showed significant growth but the team will still explore all its options at quarterback.
“We’re gonna do our work on the quarterback market,” Berry said. “I can’t tell you today if the starter for 2026 is internal or external.”
Sanders feels he did what he could to prove he can be a long-term option and isn’t worried about the franchise’s decision.
“I think I did what I was able to do, and I definitely grew from a lot of things, and I got experience now. So, I’m always the same, confidence-wise, I’m there,” Sanders said. “But like, that’s not in my hands. Like, that’s not my decision. I can’t speak on what other people feel.”
The Browns also have Dillon Gabriel under contract for next season. The third-round pick started six games but it’s unclear where he’ll fit in to the team’s plans.
Browns QB Deshaun Watson Breaks Silence After Stefanski Firing