Deshaun Watson might not see the field this season with the Cleveland Browns but not all hope is lost for the former Pro Bowler.
Watson returned to practice this week after more than a year away following an Achilles injury. After a setback in January, he had a second surgery on his Achilles. The Browns now have 21 days to decide on whether Watson will join the active roster alongside Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.
Even if Watson is activated, it’s still a long shot that he sees the field this season. The Browns appear committed to evaluating their rookies down the stretch, and barring a setback or significant drop-off in play, Sanders is positioned to start the final five games.
However, the Browns hold two first-round picks in next year’s draft. The team could use one or both in a trade-up situation to find their quarterback of the future. If that happens, Watson could be called upon to be a bridge option, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
“The plan was always for Watson to practice if he was cleared medically. He’s worked tirelessly on his rehab, and earned the right to test his progress on the field. The Browns also want to see what he looks like to help inform plans for the 2026 draft, when they have two first-round picks in what’s expected to be a strong QB class,” Cabot said. “If the Browns draft their quarterback of the future, they might still want a veteran to start for at least a few games until the rookie is ready. They need to know if Watson can be that bridge QB.”
Browns Happy to Have Deshaun Watson Back
It’s been a long road back to the field for Watson. The Browns are excited to have him back on the field, getting back into the groove.
“He’ll be out there today, which is outstanding for Deshaun,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “He’s has been working so hard, rehabbing, so finally to get out there on the practice field with his teammates to go through individual, I think this is really great for him. So, excited for him. His focus, my focus is obviously getting him back to playing football, practicing football, which he hasn’t done in over a year. So, it’s a good next step for him.”
Stefanski shut down any notion of the Browns preparing for him to play any time soon.
“Really just excited for him to be able to get back out there on the field. I think for any player, when you’re rehabbing, the next step, getting out there on the practice field is a big step,” Stefanski said. “So, I’m excited for him.”
Deshaun Watson Eager to Prove Browns Wrong
Watson is facing an uphill battle. He’s had three surgeries in just over two years and has played in just 19 games since 2020. The results of those games have not been great. Since arriving in Cleveland via a blockbuster trade in 2022, Watson has gone 9-10 as the starter, passing for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
But Watson is determined to prove he can still be a viable starter in the NFL, despite the Browns calling the trade for him a “swing and miss” this offseason.
“Everyone is doubting me. Everyone don’t believe in me,” Watson said in April. “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.”
Whether he starts or not, Watson is likely to remain on the roster next season. His cap charge for 2026 is $80.716 million. Cutting or trading Watson would result in a record-setting amount of dead cap.
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