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The Cleveland Browns, after a successful offseason that saw multiple key playmakers joining the squad, will now look to take the next step under head coach Todd Monken.
While the offense received plenty of upgrades through the free agency period and the 2026 NFL Draft, the main concern surrounding the team remains to be the quarterback position. However, despite the lack of clarity at the position heading into the upcoming season, the return of veteran Deshaun Watson could ultimately shake up the group in 2026.
According to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, a source close to Watson claimed that “he understands why fans are frustrated," and that sitting out during the 2025 season was “the best thing that could’ve happened to him.”
“A source close to Watson said sitting out last season was the best thing that could've happened to him,” Fowler wrote. “He wasn't rushed back onto the field, and he had time to reflect on how he can get the best out of this year, and he's excited.”
After signing a massive, fully guaranteed 5-year, $230 million deal with the Browns back in 2022, it’s safe to say that Watson has yet to live up to his record-breaking contract.
In his 19 games played with Cleveland, Watson totaled 3,365 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions through three seasons. Unfortunately for the former highly touted quarterback, he would go on to suffer a season-ending Achilles tear during the 2024 season, resulting in him missing all of last season. This led to the Browns using three different quarterbacks over the course of the 2025 season, including veteran Joe Flacco and a pair of rookies in Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Now, with Monken entering the picture for the struggling franchise, there’s a chance that Watson’s off-script capabilities on offense could be a perfect match for the team’s newest head coach. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam spoke highly of Watson’s return during this year’s league meetings, claiming that the 30-year-old “has a great chance” to have an impact in 2026.
"Deshaun has a great chance, fresh start, offensive-minded coach, who has, in his past, been able to work with all kinds of different quarterbacks and make him successful," Haslam stated during this year’s league meetings. "So Deshaun has a great chance to do that now."
Cleveland’s quarterback battle will now come down to Watson and Sanders, while 2026 sixth-round pick Taylen Green will likely serve as the team’s emergency quarterback in order for him to develop under Monken.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: NFL insider reveals Browns QB Deshaun Watson's mindset for 2026 season
Continue reading...
While the offense received plenty of upgrades through the free agency period and the 2026 NFL Draft, the main concern surrounding the team remains to be the quarterback position. However, despite the lack of clarity at the position heading into the upcoming season, the return of veteran Deshaun Watson could ultimately shake up the group in 2026.
According to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, a source close to Watson claimed that “he understands why fans are frustrated," and that sitting out during the 2025 season was “the best thing that could’ve happened to him.”
“A source close to Watson said sitting out last season was the best thing that could've happened to him,” Fowler wrote. “He wasn't rushed back onto the field, and he had time to reflect on how he can get the best out of this year, and he's excited.”
Watson’s return to the Browns in 2026
After signing a massive, fully guaranteed 5-year, $230 million deal with the Browns back in 2022, it’s safe to say that Watson has yet to live up to his record-breaking contract.
In his 19 games played with Cleveland, Watson totaled 3,365 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions through three seasons. Unfortunately for the former highly touted quarterback, he would go on to suffer a season-ending Achilles tear during the 2024 season, resulting in him missing all of last season. This led to the Browns using three different quarterbacks over the course of the 2025 season, including veteran Joe Flacco and a pair of rookies in Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Now, with Monken entering the picture for the struggling franchise, there’s a chance that Watson’s off-script capabilities on offense could be a perfect match for the team’s newest head coach. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam spoke highly of Watson’s return during this year’s league meetings, claiming that the 30-year-old “has a great chance” to have an impact in 2026.
"Deshaun has a great chance, fresh start, offensive-minded coach, who has, in his past, been able to work with all kinds of different quarterbacks and make him successful," Haslam stated during this year’s league meetings. "So Deshaun has a great chance to do that now."
Cleveland’s quarterback battle will now come down to Watson and Sanders, while 2026 sixth-round pick Taylen Green will likely serve as the team’s emergency quarterback in order for him to develop under Monken.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: NFL insider reveals Browns QB Deshaun Watson's mindset for 2026 season
Continue reading...
