Watson arrived in Cleveland in 2022 in a blockbuster trade that owner Jimmy Haslam has called a swing-and-miss, following a massive draft-pick haul and a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. Since then, his tenure has been hampered by a suspension and injuries, including two Achilles surgeries that left him unavailable for all of last season. In 19 starts for the Browns, Watson is 9-10 with 3,365 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot believes Monken is predisposed toward a mobile, dual-threat quarterback, and that Watson could fit the scheme when healthy. “He will have a chance,” Cabot said, noting Watson’s recent health questions and the potential for a competition with Sanders, who started seven games as a fifth-round rookie this season. The decision, she indicated, will come down to Watson versus Sanders over the offseason program.
Watson is entering the final year of his contract, and Cleveland has argued privately that parting ways would carry significant financial penalties. General manager Andrew Berry said the Browns anticipate Watson being part of the 2026 roster, though the team will continue to explore quarterback options via trades, free agency, and the draft. Cleveland also has Dillon Gabriel under contract for next season, keeping the QB competition dynamic alive as the team assesses its long-term plans.
Ultimately, the Browns’ quarterback outlook hinges on Monken’s evaluation and Watson’s ability to remain or regain the mobility and playmaking edge of his prime. With an offseason to groom a plan around a potentially aging but still talented passer, Cleveland will weigh Watson’s fitness against Sanders’ upside while monitoring external options to shape the 2026 quarterback room.
