Deshaun Watson, who missed the entire 2025 NFL season recovering from Achilles tendon surgery, has started his offseason training in Cleveland as the Browns eye the next campaign. This return to the field has generated debate over whether Watson will claim the starting quarterback position, highlighting the uncertain future of the Browns’ offense.
ESPN Cleveland recently released footage showing Watson engaged in throwing drills, signaling his intent to compete for the QB1 spot. This glimpse into his recovery and preparation has sparked diverse reactions from fans and analysts alike, especially given his injury history and past performance.
Fan Reactions Reflect Strong Divisions Over Watson’s Prospects
The Browns fan base is sharply divided about Watson’s chances as the starter, with social media buzzing after the training video appeared. Some supporters express doubt after Watson’s limited playtime over recent seasons, while others remain supportive of his potential.
“Deshaun Watson has been in offseason mode for almost 2 years,” one fan commented.
“Dude has only played 19 games in the past 3 years. Lol this is going to be such a massive disaster,” another fan said.
“No one wants him to start,” this fan wrote.
“Never been a bigger Shedeur Sanders fan in my life,” another fan said.
“There won’t be a contest. Shedeur is QB1,” one fan wrote.
“DW4 baby! Sanders doesn’t stand a chance,” this fan commented.
The Browns’ Investment and Watson’s Struggles Since Signing
When Cleveland signed Watson in 2022 to a five-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $230 million, the expectations were high. However, Watson’s tenure has been hampered by off-field issues and a series of injuries, undermining the value of the deal.
Watson’s performance declined compared to his early years with the Houston Texans, partially due to an 11-game suspension linked to sexual harassment allegations. His second season was severely limited by shoulder surgery, and in 2024, while he initially secured the starting role, an Achilles injury ended his season after just seven games.
Over the last three years, Watson has appeared in only 19 games, accumulating 3,365 passing yards and 19 touchdowns, figures that fall short of expectations given his lucrative contract and past success.
Changes in Browns Leadership and Emerging QB Competition
Following a disappointing 2025 season, the Browns replaced head coach Kevin Stefanski with Todd Monken, introducing fresh leadership aimed at revitalizing the team. Insider Mary Kay Cabot recently suggested that the Browns might pit Watson against rising star Shedeur Sanders for the starting quarterback role.
“It’s not a great year, once again, to be needing a quarterback, and unless they have something up their sleeve that we do not knwo about, I think that they are potentially going to be looking at Deshaun Watson vs. Shedeur Sanders,” Cabot said.
Cabot also indicated that the organization might consider additional moves through free agency or trade options to strengthen their quarterback depth.
Shedeur Sanders’ Rise and the Browns’ Quarterback Landscape Last Season
During the 2025 campaign, Joe Flacco started as the Browns’ QB1, with rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders serving as backups. After four games, Gabriel took over the starting position but was traded midseason, leading to Sanders stepping up as the primary backup.
Sanders earned his starting opportunity following Gabriel’s concussion in Week 11 and retained the role for the rest of the year, guiding the Browns to a 5-12 record. His performance, including 1,400 passing yards and seven touchdowns, earned him recognition as a rookie Pro Bowler, intensifying the competition for the top spot.
Implications for the Browns and Next Steps
The ongoing contest between Watson and Sanders carries significant implications for Cleveland’s offense as the team seeks to rebuild under new leadership. Watson’s health and ability to return to form will be closely monitored, while Sanders’ promising rookie season positions him as a viable candidate to lead the offense.
With the Browns potentially exploring additional quarterback options in free agency or trades, the upcoming offseason and training camp will be critical in determining who will command the QB1 role. The outcome could shape the franchise’s direction and influence their competitiveness for the 2026 season and beyond.
Browns QB Deshaun Watson has begun his offseason training.
Who do you think would win a Watson vs. Shedeur Sanders QB battle? pic.twitter.com/TRUccEMwoO
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) February 11, 2026
.@MaryKayCabot of https://t.co/Q57vtHb1cp lays out the Browns' potential plans at quarterback.
"It's not a great year, once again, to be needing a quarterback, and unless they have something up their sleeve that we do not know about, I think that they are potentially going to be… pic.twitter.com/VfwrM4YFlc
— BrownsNation.com (@BrownsNationcom) February 10, 2026
