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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will be with the team next season.
The Cleveland Browns are planning to keep quarterback Deshaun Watson on the roster through his contract, even though he is unlikely to play again this year.
Watson landed in Cleveland in 2022 via a blockbuster trade. The Browns quickly inked him to a $230 million guaranteed deal that runs through 2026. The decision to keep Watson around — reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Saturday — was widely expected due to the size of Watson’s contract and what it would cost to move on. Releasing him before June 1 would trigger nearly $135 million in dead money — an unprecedented cap penalty. Even a post-June 1 release would carry a charge of roughly $53 million.
Keeping Watson is not just about the money, though. They also value him as a veteran resource in the quarterback room.
“The Browns believe Watson has contributed to their quarterback room and provided a veteran presence that has had value for their rookie quarterbacks,” Schefter said. “That’s another reason he was back at practice last week and is expected back with the team next season.”
Deshaun Watson Back Practicing With Browns
Watson returned to the practice field this week when the Browns opened his 21-day activation window. But the move was procedural rather than competitive. The team wanted the veteran to log practice time before the offseason. It’s unclear if he’ll join the active roster this season.
The Browns are focused on evaluating their two rookie quarterbacks over the final stretch of the season. Shedeur Sanders will start his third game Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. Dillon Gabriel started across the first half of the year, going 1-5 in those games.
“Their plan still is to get an extended look at both of their rookie quarterbacks, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel,” Schefter said. “In a perfect world, the Browns rookies will play out this season and get as many reps as possible.”
The Browns hold two first-round picks in the 2026 draft. It’s capital that could be used to pursue another quarterback if needed. But the front office wants to gather as much information as possible on Sanders and Gabriel before reaching that point.
Deshaun Watson Praised for Mentorship With Browns
Even while sidelined, Watson has remained involved in the quarterback room. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski praised Watson for sharing his knowledge with the young guns.
“I’ve told you guys over the course of time, just in the meeting room, it’s fun to be in there with all those guys,” Stefanski said. “Everybody’s got a different perspective of this game, and I think having a guy like Deshaun in there who’s seen so much and has been through different situations and can provide great counsel to young quarterbacks, I just think that’s invaluable.”
Sanders declined to detail how Watson has been a resource this season. But he was happy to see Watson back at practice.
“I feel like it’s great he’s going out there to practice,” Sanders said. “I know he’s been working hard to recover and doing everything he’s able to do for this day.”
Cleveland’s long-term quarterback picture is still forming but Watson will be a part of that equation for at least one more season.
J.R. DeGroote JR DeGroote is a staff writer for Heavy.com, where he has covered the NFL, NBA, and trending sports stories since 2019. His work focuses on some of the most passionate fanbases in sports, including reporting on the Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Lakers. More about J.R. DeGroote
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