Cleveland enters the period with Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel all under contract, and Watson is expected to remain on the roster largely due to his cap hit, even though he missed all of last season with an injury.
Mary Kay Cabot, appearing on 92.3 The Fan, said Watson looked the most talented quarterback on the field during the three weeks he could practice. She noted that, physically, his arm, footwork, and overall talent stood out, and she emphasized that Watson will get a real chance to compete for the job.
Head coach Todd Monken acknowledged the competition is multi-faceted, with two younger quarterbacks still developing while a former Pro Bowler returns from injury. He pointed out that Watson’s elite-level ability, if it returns, would be a significant asset, alongside the potential emergence of Sanders and Gabriel.
Watson has already begun preparing this offseason, working out with a private trainer in South Florida and throwing to a Browns receivers group with plans to link up with Monken when the offseason program starts in April. He has also begun discussions with Monken about the offense.
If the Browns don’t add another quarterback, the Week 1 starter could come from the existing trio, with Watson or Sanders in the mix, depending on Watson’s health and ability to recapture his previous form. Cleveland is hopeful that a healthy Watson can provide the targeted spark to stabilize the offense in 2026.
