NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Deshaun Watson’s tenure with the Cleveland Browns has been one to forget.
The Browns acquired Watson from the Houston Texans before the 2022 season and signed him to a five-year, $230 million deal, marking the richest deal for a quarterback at the time. But his unavailability due to injuries and his play on the field have forced the organization to restructure his deal.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson looks on the sideline against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half at Allegiant Stadium on Nov. 23, 2025. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
He has played just 19 games for the Browns over his first four seasons, while Cleveland has trotted out several quarterbacks, including Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders and others, to try to find a temporary solution to a long-term problem.
Still, Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam has an optimistic view of Watson.
“Deshaun has a big chance, freshman, offensive-minded coach who in his past has been able to work with all kinds of different quarterbacks and make them succeed,” he told reporters at the NFL’s annual meeting Monday, via ESPN.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) practices during minicamp at the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 12, 2025. (Ken Blaze/Imagn Images)
SHEDEUR SANDERS DITCHER ROOKIE NUMBER BROWNS ANNOUNCES CHANGE TO TRANSITION TO 2026 SEASON
“So, Deshaun has a great chance to do it now. We talked to him the other day, he said he’s the (lightest) he’s been in years. He’s in good shape, he’ll be (in Cleveland) April 7 when we start (the offseason workout program). Let’s see what Deshaun can do. We’re all excited.”
Browns general manager Andrew Berry has previously said that every Browns quarterback on the roster will compete for the starting job. Right now, the depth chart includes Watson, Sanders and Gabriel. It’s unclear if Cleveland would target another quarterback in the upcoming draft.
Watson missed the entire 2025 season after re-rupturing his Achilles in the offseason that year.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field on Oct. 20, 2024. (Ken Blaze/Imagn Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
He is 9-10 as a starter for Cleveland with 3,365 passing yards, 19 touchdown passes, 12 interceptions and 70 sacks.
