Former Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has a strong message as he heads into an already-pivotal offseason with the Cleveland Browns. It could feature the most significant change for the three-time Pro Bowler since his trade in 2202.
Watson missed the entire 2025 campaign with a re-ruptured Achilles tendon that he initially injured during the 2024 season.
However, he is back on his mission to make his return to the field as good as it can be.
Ex-Texans QB Deshaun Watson Delivers Message Before Offseason
GettyDeshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans reacts during a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Texans traded Watson to the Browns in 2022, and he has been healthy for 19 games since then. He is signed through the 2026 season, and Browns general manager Andrew Berry said that he anticipates Watson will remain with the team.
Their financial commitment to him almost dictates that the situation plays out that way. Still, speculation remains that Watson could find his way onto another team’s roster this offseason.
The former No. 12 overall pick of the 2017 draft is determined to play again.
“I ain’t finna do all that poppin,” Watson posted to his Instagram story on February 4, quoting rapper NBA Youngboy’s song “Combat Boots,” setting the artist’s track as the background music for an image of himself working out at the Browns’ facilities.
“Tf’ we talmbout, ain’t nothing to talk about! WORK COME FIRST! [praying hands emoji] MoreGLORY [speaking head in silhouette emoji].”
Watson posted similar messages and imagery throughout the season.
He worked his way up to the point that the Browns opened his 21-day practice window to activate him from the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. However, the team allowed the window to expire.
Watson drew praise for work with rookie teammates Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, and new Browns coach Todd Monken is said to be in favor of keeping the polarizing QB.
Browns HC Todd Monken Praises Deshaun Watson
GettyDeshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during a game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Watson never seemed to fit what former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski wanted, despite the latter being in place when the Texans traded the QB.
Monken piqued interest with his comments on Watson, though.
“You’ve got a player like Deshaun, who’s coming back from injury, and at one time was a Pro Bowl player, and an elite player in this league. We would love to tap back into that,” Monken said via Cleveland 19, drawing strong reactions
Monken also said that he was eager to work with Gabriel and Sanders. Still, the Browns would be hard-pressed to have Watson on the roster and not the field if he is healthy.
His durability remains a question, as does his most recent play.
Past & Present Texans QB Have Plenty to Prove
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans takes the field before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Watson, 30, has completed 61.2% of his passes for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, and the Browns have a 9-10 record with the former Texans star under center with no postseason appearances.
Meanwhile, the Texans have made the playoffs in three straight seasons with Watson’s eventual replacement, C.J. Stroud.
The Texans face questions with Stroud, too, but nothing like what Watson has and still does.
Stroud has similarly begun his work toward coming back in 2026 better than he was in 2025, which ended with multiple turnovers in back-to-back playoff games. Whereas the Browns could part with Watson, though, there is a chance the Texans extend Stroud.
The two players are inextricably linked, and their careers are still heading in vastly different directions.
Former Texans QB Deshaun Watson Sends Message After Strong Comments