Kirk Herbstreit got an unexpected update on Deshaun Watson from a chance run-in with former Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
Herbstreit — who has seemingly been out of the loop on Cleveland’s QB situation —shared his encounter with Schwartz on The Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show.
“I was walking the other day here in Nashville, and I go to this park. Jim Schwartz is there and he was walking with his dogs. We started talking and he brought up Deshaun, like, ‘Deshaun’s healthy and back.’ I thought he was medically retired,” Herbstreit said. “I didn’t know he was back in the mix, and he said, ‘No, man. I think he’s back.’ Of course, Schwartz didn’t stay and he’s going to sit this year out. But it was interesting to hear about Deshaun.”
Watson’s status had been an open question heading into the offseason. He missed all of last season after rupturing his right Achilles tendon in October 2024. Watson has not played a full season since arriving in Cleveland on a fully guaranteed $230 million deal in 2022. He returned to practice for a brief stint last season but was never activated to the 53-man roster. Watson has participated in the Browns’ offseason workouts and has no limitations.
Schwartz resigned as Cleveland’s defensive coordinator in February after the Browns passed him over for the head coaching job in favor of Todd Monken. But it’s notable that Schwartz would mention Watson. And that he believes he’s firmly back in the mix.
Deshaun Watson Has ‘Inside Track’ on Starting Job
Watson emerged from the Browns’ voluntary minicamp in April with an edge over Shedeur Sanders in the two-man quarterback competition, per Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com. Cabot added that Watson has the inside track to be named the team’s QB1.
Herbstreit said the Browns’ quarterback situation carries unusual stakes. He understands that Watson may not have many backers remaining in Cleveland. But he could change in a hurry if he elevates his play.
“It would be one series if he led them down the field, and all would be forgiven if he looked like the Deshaun everyone had hoped for when he came over from Houston,” Herbstreit said. “For any team — but especially the Browns, where the quarterback situation has been so difficult to solve — if you find stability at that position, whether it’s Shedeur, Deshaun, or Dillon Gabriel, then you can start looking around at receiver, running back, the offensive line, and the defense, and make a logical case that this team can win a bunch of games.”
Kirk Herbstreit is ‘Huge’ Todd Monken Fan
Herbstreit also weighed in on Monken, who spent the past three seasons as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator after a successful run at Georgia that included two national championships.
“I’m a huge Monken fan. I’ve known him for a long, long time. I love him because he gets a little edgy,” said Herbstreit, one of college football’s most recognizable voices. “A lot of times, he’s just been in the film room, kind of like a mad scientist, not having to deal with the media as much.”
Monken has said he wants to name a starting quarterback sooner rather than later. However, he also noted that he hasn’t seen enough on the field to draw a conclusion. Cleveland’s quarterback room currently features Watson, Sanders, Gabriel and rookie sixth-round pick Taylen Green.
Ex-Browns Coach Delivers Unexpected Deshaun Watson Update