The Cleveland Browns could be prepared to have Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback in 2026.
Cleveland is expected to draft their franchise quarterback in 2026 as Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders have struggled this season. Yet, the Browns still have Watson under contract. Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com expects the veteran to be on the roster in 2026.
“Watson, who underwent surgery in January to repair his re-ruptured Achilles, is coming along well in his rehab. But is not ready to start practicing with the team,” Cabot wrote. “The Browns can open his 21-day practice window at any time. But it’s looking more and more like they might wait until the offseason workout program to put him back on the practice field.
“The Browns want to err on the side of caution given the fact he had two surgeries on the Achilles, and not rush him back onto the field after only a couple of weeks of practice. But Watson will be on the team in 2026, in the final year of his contract, barring some unforeseen circumstance.”
Watson being on the Browns in 2026 would be a surprise, as many insiders have expected that Cleveland would cut him and move on. But if the Browns can’t find their franchise quarterback in the draft, perhaps Watson is the starting quarterback in 2026.
Browns Don’t Have an Update on Watson
With Gabriel in concussion protocol and his status for Week 12 being up in the air, many wondered if Watson could potentially return.
Watson is still on the injured reserve, and his practice window still hasn’t been activated. When asked if there was any update, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said he didn’t have an update.
“I don’t have an update there,” Stefanski said.
Stefanski was then asked if there’s a deadline for Watson and activating him, the coach also shot that down.
“I don’t know the answer to that,” Stefanski said. “I know he’s doing a great job in meetings, supporting the guys.”
Watson is in the midst of a five-year, $230 million deal with the Browns. He hasn’t played since Oct. 20, 2024, when he suffered an Achilles injury.
Cleveland Preparing for Sanders to Start
The Browns are set to go on the road to play the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, and Shedeur Sanders could be in line to start.
Dillon Gabriel is in concussion protocol, and if he can’t go, Sanders will start. Cabot reported on X, that it’s a 99.9% chance that Sanders will indeed start.
“Browns Shedeur Sanders is expected to start Sunday’s game in Las Vegas with Dillon Gabriel in the concussion protocol,” Cabot wrote. “Barring something unexpected, Sanders will make his starting debut, becoming the 42nd Browns starter since 1999. … It means that in addition to Shedeur Sanders making his first NFL start vs. the Raiders (99.9% happening), Bailey Zappe will be the backup.”
Sanders struggled coming into relief on Sunday, but those were his first snaps with the first-team offense. So, the hope is that he will be much better on Sunday with a full week of practice under his belt.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Insider Drops Truth Bomb on Deshaun Watson’s Future With Browns appeared first on Heavy Sports.