The clip quickly drew widespread attention, with Browns fans weighing in on the possible life-change. Watson remains under contract with Cleveland for one more season, and he is owed roughly $100 million over restructures and void years, a notable financial factor in any future quarterback plans.
Watson missed the entire previous season while recovering from a pair of ruptured Achilles injuries. He returned to practice in December but was not activated for the 53-man roster. He is expected to be fully healthy for the start of next season, which will begin under a new head coach, Todd Monken, who was hired to replace Kevin Stefanski.
Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot notes Monken’s familiarity with Watson’s ceiling, saying Monken “knows what Deshaun Watson is capable of when healthy” and that he favors a mobile, dual-threat quarterback. However, Cabot also pointed out questions about Watson’s mobility if he cannot regain peak form after the Achilles injuries.
Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders visited the Browns’ facility this week to meet with Monken, signaling that he remains a candidate in the quarterback evaluation. General Manager Andrew Berry declined to back Sanders as the Week-1 starter for 2026, emphasizing a broader market evaluation and the new head coach’s input on the position.
Cleveland’s quarterback plans appear fluid, with Dillon Gabriel under contract and the organization expected to explore options in the draft, free agency, and potential trades. The Browns will balance the internal development with external options as they finalize their quarterback strategy for next season.
