Deshaun Watson sent a clear message on social media after the Cleveland Browns added a new quarterback to the mix.
Watson is in a battle for the starting quarterback spot in Cleveland, alongside Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. The Browns added rookie Taylen Green to that mix, although he’s unlikely to be a factor in the starting conversation.
The Browns see Green as a raw passing prospect with elite athletic ability.
“With Taylen, he’s a very mature young man, really strong makeup, and he has rare physical gifts. He has size, he has elite speed, he has a big arm,” Browns general manager Andrew Berry said. “He’s going to need some polish with this game, but he has the work ethic and he has the acumen to do so. So we’re looking forward to adding him to the roster and adding him to the mix in terms of competition.”
Berry added that the team plans to move forward with all four quarterbacks on the roster, which has been typical for the team during training camp.
Browns QB Deshaun Watson Preparing for ‘War’
Watson is attempting a comeback after more than a year away from football, recovering from back-to-back Achilles injuries that required surgery. Now entering the final season of his fully guaranteed $230 million deal with the Browns, his NFL future hinges on proving he can get back — and stay — on the field.
Since arriving in Cleveland in 2022, Watson has appeared in just 19 games. When available, his production has fallen short of expectations, totaling 3,365 passing yards with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Watson, Sanders, and Gabriel got on the field for the first time at voluntary veteran minicamp last week. Sanders and Watson split the first-team reps.
Watson’s first time on the field with new head coach Todd Monken drew positive reviews.
“Ball’s coming out great. Looks great,” Monken said when asked if he saw any rust in Watson’s game. “I can’t get into his body to know how his body felt, but he moved around great. And the ball came out great.”
Watson is continuing the work. He posted a highlight video of himself training, accompanied by an interesting message.
“Prepare for war in times of peace!” Watson said, citing a quote from Denzel Washington. “Sword steady being sharpened.”
Browns Add Weapons, Protection to Offense
The Browns had clear priorities in the draft, and Cleveland’s 10-player class reflected them. After trading down three spots from No. 6 to No. 9 with the Kansas City Chiefs to acquire additional assets, Berry selected Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano.
With their second first-round pick, the Browns took Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion at No. 24. Cleveland then doubled down at receiver in the second round, selecting Washington’s Denzel Boston at No. 39. At 6-foot-3 and 212 pounds, Boston brings a contested-catch skill set to complement Concepcion’s speed.
Whoever wins the starting quarterback job will step into a significantly improved supporting cast. Despite the addition of Green, the competition still appears to be a two-man race between Watson and Sanders — and the veteran is doing everything he can to make sure he’s ready when his number is called.
Deshaun Watson Responds to Browns Adding New QB