The Cleveland Browns hired an offensive-minded head coach, which could be good news for Deshaun Watson.
Cleveland ended its head coach search on Wednesday by hiring Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. It’s another offensive-minded head coach, and Browns insider Aaron Goldhammer of ESPN Cleveland believes it’s good news for Watson.
“Was there any part of Jimmy in making this decision that he thought that maybe Todd Monken could make something of whatever is left of Deshaun Watson’s career,” Goldhammer said on Thursday. “It is in vogue in the NFL to send someone to quarterback rehab. Is anyone over there in Berea thinking to themselves, ‘Can Deshaun Watson be this year’s NFL Comeback Player of the Year?”
It’s a bold prediction from Goldhammer, but if Watson is healthy, there certainly is a chance that the veteran does start for the Browns next season.
Watson is entering the final year of his five-year, $230 million deal with the Browns, which was a disaster of a contract for Cleveland. However, with there not being many options to draft this year, the Browns could very well start Watson for the year. And Goldhammer believes Monken can make Watson successful.
Watson hasn’t played in the NFL since Oct. 20, 2024, due to injuries.
Another Browns Insider Hints at Watson Being Starting QB
Monken will likely have a say in the Browns’ next quarterback, but Watson could very well start in 2026.
Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot spoke to 92.3 The Fan and hinted at Watson starting in 2026.
“So, he knows what Deshaun Watson is capable of when healthy,” Cabot said. “And we also know this about Todd Monken: he’s all about the mobile dual-threat QB. Can Deshaun even run anymore like that, coming off of two ruptured Achilles? We don’t know, but he will have a chance to show what he can do.”
Watson would be a good one-year stopgap. It would allow the Browns to draft their franchise guy in 2027. Or, find one through free agency or the draft.
Yet, it does appear that the Browns will focus on Watson being the quarterback in 2026 with Monken as the head coach.
Cleveland Hires Monken as HC
The Browns’ head coaching search took some time, but the team ended up hiring Monken as their next head coach.
Following the deal being official, Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam issued a statement welcoming Monken to Cleveland.
“We are very excited to name Todd Monken the next head coach of the Cleveland Browns,” the Haslams said in a statement. “Todd is highly intelligent, and his experienced, innovative offensive mindset has been at the forefront of constructing productive and successful offenses at the NFL and collegiate level over the last 20 years. He is an outstanding leader and has a clear vision to lead our team as a strong communicator who values trust with his players. But also accountability and preparation.
“In our committee’s exhaustive reference work on Todd, his commitment to player development was evident. And his tough and straightforward coaching is respected by the players and the coaches he’s worked with. Putting our team in a position to succeed while developing our players to maximize their talents. We welcome Todd, Terri, and the rest of the Monken family back to the Browns. And look forward to him establishing the winning culture that will lead our team to the success our fans so deserve.”
Monken was the Browns’ offensive coordinator in 2019.
Deshaun Watson Gets Positive Prediction Following Browns Hiring of Todd Monken