The Cleveland Browns face a critical decision regarding Deshaun Watson’s role as the starting quarterback for the 2026 season amid ongoing struggles. Despite winning only eight games combined in the past two seasons and deploying historically ineffective offenses, there is growing concern that sticking with Watson without significant changes could replicate past failures.
Watson’s absence from the 2025 season, caused by two Achilles tendon injuries, spared him from direct blame for the team’s poor performance. However, his 2024 season was underwhelming, with only one win in seven starts and a career-low quarterback rating of 79.0, even while playing with a high-performing wide receiver, Jerry Jeudy. This has fueled doubts about whether Watson can justify the Browns’ investment moving forward.
Financial Realities Influence Browns’ Commitment to Watson
As the 2026 NFL season approaches, the Browns’ decision-making regarding their quarterback spot is heavily influenced by financial factors. According to NFL insider Albert Breer, the Browns’ readiness to give Watson a chance is less about optimism and more about economic necessity. Cleveland owes Watson $46 million in 2026, and releasing him would prove costly, forcing the team to absorb a substantial salary cap hit while potentially losing leverage in structuring future contracts.
“The Browns’ willingness to give Deshaun Watson a go is logical, even with how poorly the 2022 trade to get him has gone. And the reasons are largely a matter of simple economics. Cleveland owes Watson $46 million this year. The quarterback’s getting that $46 million one way or the other—and if the Browns were to cut him neither he nor his new team would be compelled to do a deal with him at more than the league minimum, and stick Cleveland with the remainder.” – Albert Breer, NFL Insider
This financial bind has made the Browns reluctant to move on from Watson, despite his disappointing performance and health concerns.
Impact of the Watson Contract on Browns’ Strategy
The Browns deliberately carried the financial burden of Watson’s contract into the present rather than front-loading it last year to soften future impacts. This choice reflects a preference to compete in the short term, even as it introduces long-term challenges. However, watching Watson return to the field post-Achilles surgeries, especially after a lackluster 2024 season, risks aggravating the team’s offensive woes.
Despite having a defense capable of championship-level play, the Browns continue to struggle because their offense remains below average. Success in upcoming seasons depends heavily on finding offensive consistency, whether through Watson or alternative solutions.
New Coaching Staff Hopes to Unlock Watson’s Potential
The arrival of new offensive coordinator Todd Monken brings a fresh perspective to the Browns’ quarterback situation. It is common for coaching changes to inspire hope that new staff can tap into a player’s untapped potential, and Cleveland’s management appears to believe Monken might unlock what former head coach Kevin Stefanski could not.
“With a new staff getting a fresh set of eyes on Watson, and Watson potentially fighting for his career, it makes sense to give a healthy 30-year-old three-time Pro Bowl quarterback a good long look this offseason.” – Albert Breer, NFL Insider
Since the 2026 draft does not seem to offer a quarterback candidate ready to start immediately, the Browns seem inclined to maintain Watson as their primary option as they explore whether Monken can engineer an offensive turnaround.
“Instead, Todd Monken will try to do with Watson what Kevin Stefanski couldn’t.” – Albert Breer, NFL Insider
What Lies Ahead for the Browns and Watson
The Cleveland Browns are at a crossroads where balancing financial reality with competitive ambition defines their quarterback strategy. Watson’s health, performance history, and hefty contract make 2026 a pivotal year, with the franchise’s decision likely to shape their trajectory for the foreseeable future. Whether Monken’s fresh coaching approach can revive Watson’s career and reshape the offense remains a crucial storyline as the Browns prepare for next season.
The stakes are high for the Browns, who possess a defense capable of postseason contention but need an offense that can consistently deliver victories. How they navigate Watson’s situation will be key to avoiding continued frustration and disappointment in Cleveland’s pursuit of success.
