The Cleveland Browns plan to use the full allotment of time before deciding whether Deshaun Watson will return this season.
Watson returned to practice on Dec. 3, opening the Browns’ 21-day window to activate him to the active roster. That window closes next week, and head coach Kevin Stefanski indicated the team intends to wait until the deadline before making a final determination.
“I think we’ll make that decision when the window closes up, which I think is next week,” Stefanski said.
Even if activated to the 53-man roster, Watson will not factor into the Browns’ starting quarterback plans over the final three games. Cleveland intends to start Shedeur Sanders for those matchups, giving the rookie a chance to further evaluate his case as a long-term option.
Deshaun Watson Taking on Mentor Role With Browns
Watson is under contract for next season and is likely to remain on the roster thanks to his $230 million guaranteed deal. But the Browns have said they also value him as a veteran presence in the quarterback room for Sanders and rookie backup Dillon Gabriel. Watson has been active in the meeting rooms, on the sideline and more, giving perspective as a former Pro Bowler.
“Deshaun’s doing more out there on the practice field,” Browns quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave said last week. “I think each and every day he’s doing more, and it’s just great to have him out there. Like I’ve talked about, it’s been great to have him on the sideline for our young QBs. It was great to have him there for Joe (Flacco). He and Joe had a really good rapport. Of course, they were battling against each other, warriors that saw each other in the AFC for those years. So, just been a pleasure to have Deshaun here this year. I don’t know where we’d be without him.”
However, Watson, 30, has made it clear through his social media post documenting his recovery that he wants to be a starter again and prove he can be a serviceable option.
“Everyone is doubting me. Everyone don’t believe in me,” Watson said this offseason. “Everyone don’t think I can get back to where I was. But I know, and I believe the work that I put in, that I believe in myself… I know, I’m gonna be way better than before.”
Browns QB Deshaun Watson May be in Starting Mix Next Season
Even if Watson doesn’t take a snap this season, he could still factor into the Browns’ quarterback plans next year as a potential bridge option. If Cleveland commits to Sanders as its long-term answer, Watson could open the 2025 season as the starter, according to Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com.
“Even if the Browns decide to roll with Sanders, he’ll have to demonstrate throughout the offseason program that he’s poised to win in 2026, or the Browns will consider starting Deshaun Watson until he’s ready,” Cabot said. “But Sanders’ rookie dog of a game didn’t take him out of the running for Browns QB of the future.”
Sanders isn’t looking too far ahead. He’s focused on Cleveland’s Week 16 matchup at home against the Buffalo Bills.
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