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The Baltimore Ravens officially know their 2026 schedule, and, as always, AFC North matchups are likely to shape playoff hopes for all four teams. Baltimore travels to Cleveland in Week 6 for the first of two meetings against the Browns, and while training camp remains months away, signs are beginning to point toward a familiar face potentially waiting under center.
Deshaun Watson.
After multiple injury setbacks and years of uncertainty since arriving in Cleveland, Watson suddenly appears positioned to make one more push at reclaiming his place as the Browns' franchise quarterback. According to reports out of organized team activities, Watson has handled a significant portion of the first-team work while competing with Shedeur Sanders for Cleveland's starting role.
The possibility immediately grabs attention from Baltimore's perspective. The Ravens know exactly what Watson looks like when he's healthy and playing confidently.
Back on November 12, 2023, Cleveland erased a second-half deficit and stunned Baltimore 33-31 in one of the more frustrating losses of Lamar Jackson's career. Watson battled through an ankle injury and delivered one of his better performances in a Browns uniform, throwing for 213 yards and adding 37 rushing yards while repeatedly extending drives with his legs.
The afternoon didn't start smoothly for Watson, who battled back.
Kyle Hamilton intercepted Watson and returned it for a touchdown on Cleveland's opening possession. Watson completed just 6 of 20 first-half attempts as Baltimore built a lead.
Then everything changed.
Watson completed all 14 second-half pass attempts for 134 yards and a touchdown. He connected with Elijah Moore on a 10-yard scoring strike before Lamar Jackson threw a critical interception that Greg Newsome II returned 34 yards for a touchdown only 41 seconds later.
Cleveland suddenly sparked with energy. Baltimore never recovered. Watson led the Browns down the field again late, completing all three pass attempts during the final drive while adding a crucial 16-yard scramble that helped set up Cleveland's game-winning field goal.
It became one of Cleveland's biggest wins of that season. It also served as a reminder of what Watson remains capable of physically when healthy. Now comes another opportunity. Reports from Mary Kay Cabot indicate Watson spent significant time this offseason working in South Florida with private quarterbacks coach Quincy Avery while throwing with Browns receivers Jerry Jeudy, Isaiah Bond, and Jamari Thrash.
The Browns also appear committed to fully evaluating Watson one final time.
He's entering the final year of his five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract, and Cleveland clearly hopes to salvage value from one of the NFL's most scrutinized trades. Brown's offensive coordinator, Todd Monken, has publicly praised Watson's mindset and commitment.
Monken also emphasized Watson's willingness to continue battling despite years of injuries and setbacks.
Cleveland continues to portray the competition as open. Watson, Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel are all still in the mix. However, early signs hold significance. Watson consistently taking first-team reps during OTA work is noteworthy. Baltimore understands that AFC North football allows for little room for surprises. The Ravens head into 2026 expecting to compete for another division title under first-year head coach Jesse Minter, while Cleveland faces much more uncertainty.
Quarterback uncertainty, roster uncertainty, and organizational pressure exist. However, if Watson ultimately wins the job, Baltimore won't overlook the history, and another classic finish could be in the plans.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens could see Deshaun Watson again in early AFC test
Continue reading...
Deshaun Watson.
After multiple injury setbacks and years of uncertainty since arriving in Cleveland, Watson suddenly appears positioned to make one more push at reclaiming his place as the Browns' franchise quarterback. According to reports out of organized team activities, Watson has handled a significant portion of the first-team work while competing with Shedeur Sanders for Cleveland's starting role.
The possibility immediately grabs attention from Baltimore's perspective. The Ravens know exactly what Watson looks like when he's healthy and playing confidently.
Back on November 12, 2023, Cleveland erased a second-half deficit and stunned Baltimore 33-31 in one of the more frustrating losses of Lamar Jackson's career. Watson battled through an ankle injury and delivered one of his better performances in a Browns uniform, throwing for 213 yards and adding 37 rushing yards while repeatedly extending drives with his legs.
The afternoon didn't start smoothly for Watson, who battled back.
Kyle Hamilton intercepted Watson and returned it for a touchdown on Cleveland's opening possession. Watson completed just 6 of 20 first-half attempts as Baltimore built a lead.
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Then everything changed.
Watson completed all 14 second-half pass attempts for 134 yards and a touchdown. He connected with Elijah Moore on a 10-yard scoring strike before Lamar Jackson threw a critical interception that Greg Newsome II returned 34 yards for a touchdown only 41 seconds later.
Cleveland suddenly sparked with energy. Baltimore never recovered. Watson led the Browns down the field again late, completing all three pass attempts during the final drive while adding a crucial 16-yard scramble that helped set up Cleveland's game-winning field goal.
It became one of Cleveland's biggest wins of that season. It also served as a reminder of what Watson remains capable of physically when healthy. Now comes another opportunity. Reports from Mary Kay Cabot indicate Watson spent significant time this offseason working in South Florida with private quarterbacks coach Quincy Avery while throwing with Browns receivers Jerry Jeudy, Isaiah Bond, and Jamari Thrash.
The Browns also appear committed to fully evaluating Watson one final time.
He's entering the final year of his five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract, and Cleveland clearly hopes to salvage value from one of the NFL's most scrutinized trades. Brown's offensive coordinator, Todd Monken, has publicly praised Watson's mindset and commitment.
Monken also emphasized Watson's willingness to continue battling despite years of injuries and setbacks.
Cleveland continues to portray the competition as open. Watson, Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel are all still in the mix. However, early signs hold significance. Watson consistently taking first-team reps during OTA work is noteworthy. Baltimore understands that AFC North football allows for little room for surprises. The Ravens head into 2026 expecting to compete for another division title under first-year head coach Jesse Minter, while Cleveland faces much more uncertainty.
Quarterback uncertainty, roster uncertainty, and organizational pressure exist. However, if Watson ultimately wins the job, Baltimore won't overlook the history, and another classic finish could be in the plans.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens could see Deshaun Watson again in early AFC test
Continue reading...
