Deshaun Watson has made it clear he isn’t backing off from watching Shedeur Sanders closely, and indications suggest he could even gain support from the Browns offensive staff. His focus may shape Cleveland’s offseason decisions.
After being traded from the Houston Texans to the Cleveland Browns in 2022, Watson has struggled to stay healthy, appearing in just 19 games across four seasons. Despite setbacks, his competitive spirit remains unshaken, fueling optimism for a resurgence.
“They’re willing to see if Watson can rebound this season,” Mary Kay Cabot said. “Coming off his two surgeries to repair the ruptured and re-ruptured right Achilles.
“Reports out of South Florida, where he’s throwing under the guidance of his quarterbacks coach Quincy Avery, have all been very positive, and Todd Monken is eager to work with him.”
A full return by Watson could spell trouble for Sanders‘ development, especially if the offense shifts toward veteran oriented playcalling, which could reduce the rookie’s on field opportunities and limit his growth in key situations.
Sanders recorded 1,400 passing yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions during his first season as a starter, numbers that showed promise but also exposed areas needing consistency and rhythm in a pro offense.
Watson‘s presence could complicate the dynamics, as his style often prioritizes deep throws and contested reads, potentially shrinking the target share for Sanders and disrupting the flow he built throughout the 2025 campaign.
If the offense becomes more conservative or focused on established timing with Watson, the young quarterback might see fewer high leverage reps, which are crucial for confidence and progression toward a full starter’s role.
Is Deshaun Watson the worst trade in sports history?
The blockbuster trade that sent Watson to Cleveland on March 18, 2022, remains one of the most discussed personnel moves in recent NFL history, given the high cost in draft capital the Browns surrendered.
To acquire the quarterback, the Browns gave up first-round picks in 2022, 2023, and 2024, along with a third-round pick in 2023 and a fourth-round pick in 2024, a haul that dwarfed almost any comparable transaction in the modern league.
Watson waived his no-trade clause to facilitate the deal, signaling a desire to leave Houston after a prolonged absence, while the team simultaneously signed him to a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract, at the time the largest in NFL history.
Despite Cleveland’s faith in the acquisition, the quarterback’s career with the team has been limited by injuries, as he has played only 19 games since 2022, throwing 19 touchdown passes and recording a 9-10 win-loss record.
He has also battled back-to-back season-ending injuries, including a left shoulder surgery in 2023 and a ruptured Achilles tendon in 2024, which delayed his return to action and disrupted offensive continuity throughout his tenure.
Watson‘s performance metrics in Cleveland have fallen short of expectations, with 3,365 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions over four seasons, numbers that pale compared to peers who put up similar stats in just a single season at advanced ages.
By contrast, his Texans tenure showed sustained excellence, completing 67.8% of passes for 14,539 yards and a 104-36 record, emphasizing the stark contrast between his peak production and post-trade struggles.
Legal controversies further complicated the deal, as nearly 30 civil lawsuits were filed beginning in 2021, alleging sexual misconduct, although the final two cases were dismissed in February 2026, removing off-field distractions but leaving a lasting shadow on his reputation.
The combination of high draft cost, massive guaranteed salary, inconsistent production, and injury setbacks makes the trade a cautionary tale, and many analysts argue that Cleveland has yet to receive value proportional to the gamble they took on the quarterback.
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