It’s a familiar scene in Cleveland-hope mixed with hesitation, and a decision that could define the franchise’s direction once again. After years of setbacks, injuries, and scrutiny, the Browns are reopening the door to a quarterback many believed was already on his way out: Deshaun Watson.
The Browns are preparing for an open quarterback competition, according to general manager Andrew Berry. The battle is expected to include Watson and Shedeur Sanders, the young signal-caller entering his second season.
Cleveland has tried to create optionality. Younger quarterbacks, like Sanders, have been brought into the room, and leadership has signaled openness to competition. The organization has also made financial maneuvers, including restructuring Watson‘s contract to ease immediate cap pressure, even if it extends long-term consequences.
Browns reopen door for Deshaun Watson as quarterback competition looms
Just one year ago, team owner Jimmy Haslam described the Watson trade as a “big swing and miss.” Now, he’s walking that back-at least partially.
Haslam revealed he recently spoke with Watson, emphasizing that the quarterback is in “great shape” and physically lighter than he has been in years.
“He certainly had the ability at one point, and we’re cautiously optimistic,” Haslam said.
The statement underscores a franchise still searching for answers at its most important position.
Watson‘s timeline in Cleveland has been anything but stable. After leading the NFL in passing yards in 2020, his career stalled.
He sat out the 2021 season, served an 11-game suspension in 2022, struggled with injuries in 2023, and then missed all of 2025 while recovering from back-to-back Achilles ruptures.
In total, he has played just 19 games since arriving in Cleveland. Despite that, the Browns are not closing the door.
Head coach Todd Monken has also expressed a willingness to give Watson another opportunity.
“When you have a player that at one time has exhibited the skillset at an elite level, you’re always going to give them the benefit of the doubt,” Monken said earlier this offseason.
That belief is now being tested in real time.
Cleveland invested heavily in Watson, both financially and strategically, in what has often been labeled one of the riskiest trades in NFL history.
Walking away entirely would mean accepting that loss. Giving him another shot, however, carries its own risks-especially with durability and consistency still major concerns.
Meanwhile, Sanders represents the alternative: younger, less proven, but potentially part of a longer-term solution. Berry has also hinted that the team could add another quarterback, preferably a developing prospect, further complicating the depth chart.
What makes this situation particularly complex is timing. Watson is entering the final year of his contract, meaning 2026 could be his last opportunity to redefine his tenure in Cleveland.
Haslam even suggested that Watson could turn the narrative “from a swing and a miss to a home run” if he wins the job and performs.
Looking ahead, training camp will be pivotal. Every rep, every preseason snap, and every health update will shape the decision.
For now, the Browns are keeping their options open-but the message is clear: the Watson era isn’t over just yet.
Read the full article here
