Deshaun Watson’s journey from the Houston Texans to the Cleveland Browns, and his tenure with the latter afterward, have been mired in controversy. However, there was no mistaking how the three-time Pro Bowler conducted himself during a significant moment for his career.
Watson remains on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. He is still rehabbing from a re-ruptured Achilles tendon and surgery in January.
He has not returned for the Browns under center, but he still drew attention on Sunday.
Former Texans QB Deshaun Watson Embracing Mentor Role
Getty ImagesDeshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns looks on after a game against the Carolina Panthers.
While Watson has not been cleared to return to action, the ex-Texans star is healthy enough to travel with the Browns, and that is exactly what he began doing in Week 12 as they hosted the Las Vegas Raiders.
During the game, Exhibit News Network’s Josina Anderson highlighted the TV cameras picking up Watson coaching up rookie Shedeur Sanders, who was making his first start.
Anderson noted that Watson does the same with the Browns’ other rookie QB, Dillon Gabriel.
Sanders and the Browns won, making the rookie the first in franchise history to win their first start. And Watson, who was the Texans’ starter from his second regular-season game in the NFL, was there to help.
That is not an aberration. The Browns, and particularly QB coach Bill Musgrave, value Watson’s ability to work with their young quarterbacks.
“I like when those two I like when those two birds converse; I like when they’re talking over there, and I try to take myself out of the equation,” Musgrave told reporters in October. “He hasn’t been on the road, and we miss him on the road. It’s great to have his presence on the sideline for our young group.”
Watson showed that in Week 12, but the Browns know the ex-Texans star wants to play.
Deshaun Watson’s Feelings Clear
GettyDeshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns reacts against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Watson had only started 19 games for the Browns since his trade from the Texans in 2022. He still faces internal hesitation about putting him back on the field amid his extensive injury history and contract situation.
But Musgrave says Watson has certainly been “working hard” towards that goal.
“He’s out there working behind the scenes. I see him in the weight room all the time doing box jumps and doing all the exercises and things that they put him through for his Achilles. And then, he’s out throwing some passes. I know at times when we’re meeting or when we’re doing other stuff during the afternoon, he seems like he’s working like crazy,” Musgrave said.
“Well, he’s definitely been through a lot, and I know he wants to play a lot of football again. He feels like he’s got a lot of tread left on his tire.”
Watson has one more season on his five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract. The Browns have already reworked his deal, pushing money into future years to alleviate their cap issues multiple times.
There is a belief that he will be back with the Browns in 2026, largely due to his contract.
It would make sense then, for the Browns and Watson, to give him as much time as possible before putting the former Texans franchise QB at risk once again.
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