There was a time when Deshaun Watson's future with the Cleveland Browns seemed uncertain, but that has seemingly changed following his performances to start the NFL season.
The Browns had received little return on their investment after surrendering three first-round picks and signing Watson to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. However, The Athletic's Jonathan Jones reported via an anonymous league source that "the door is wide open" for Watson to remain with the organization.
That source speculated Cleveland can retain Watson as their starting quarterback, even if they decide to use one of their two 2027 first-round picks to select another quarterback.
Several teams drafted quarterbacks in the first round of this year's draft, including the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Rams. However, those teams have still relied on veteran starters Kirk Cousins and Matthew Stafford, respectively.
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This past offseason, there was a much-discussed quarterback competition involving Watson and last year's fifth-round pick, Shedeur Sanders. However, Browns head coach Todd Monken ultimately revealed Watson as the starter, much to the chagrin of some fans and detractors.
So far this season, Watson has thrown for 1,174 passing yards and seven touchdowns, with just two interceptions. More importantly, he's helped guide the Browns to a 4-2 record and a first-place tie with the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC North division lead.
Watson received praise from Browns owner Jimmy Haslam for overcoming injury setbacks and helping the team win games this NFL season.
"People have to respect the way that he’s battled back from the injuries,” Haslam said, per The Athletic. "And then you look at the game-winning drives. We’ve got to be able to keep that up."
Watson's injury history and off-field controversies could complicate his chances of securing a starting job with another NFL team. The Browns bringing him back could also be challenging, as he might seek compensation comparable to other starting quarterbacks, despite Cleveland potentially questioning his negotiating leverage.
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In 2024, Watson suffered a major right Achilles tendon tear. He spent all of last season watching the Browns from the sidelines after experiencing an injury setback that required a second surgery.
Watson missed 38 of 51 games after his initial 11-game suspension. His off-field controversies have been well documented for many years now.
As of this writing, there are no confirmed reports of the Browns intending to bring Watson back next season. However, if he continues winning games, it seems Cleveland will have a tough decision on their hands about bringing him back or moving forward with another quarterback.
Watson and the Browns are back on the field on Sunday, Oct. 25, to face former No. 1 pick Cam Ward and the struggling Tennessee Titans.
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