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Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns walks across the field before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Deshaun Watson remains a member of the Cleveland Browns, and the former Houston Texans star could be headed for a career resurgence.
Health has been a persistent hindrance during his tenure in Cleveland. Watson missed all of 2025 due to an injury and has played in 19 games since the trade. The Browns are 9-10 with Watson starting, further casting a shadow on the three-time Pro Bowler’s on-field reputation.
However, with a new voice on the headset, Watson is primed for a bounce-back campaign.
Former Texans QB Deshaun Watson Set Up to Bounce Back
GettyDeshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns is seen on the sidelines against the New York Jets.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry, like Texans counterpart Nick Caserio, met with reporters in Indianapolis ahead of the 2026 combine.
Presented with a question about Watson and 2025 fifth-round draft pick Shedeur Sanders competing for the starting job next season, Berry was quick to note that the Browns “don’t have to make that decision any time soon.”
He also made it clear that Watson would have an opportunity to compete if on the roster.
“I think any player that we have in that room, we would expect to compete to earn a role,” Berry told reporters on February 24. “Those two would be no different.”
Berry also offered a nod to all that Watson has done since his injury to get back on the field. Berry previously said he expected Watson to be on the Browns’ roster in 2026, further underscoring the opportunity ahead of the ex-Texans star.
New Browns head coach Todd Monken praised Watson, noting he was “elite” at one point.
“We would love to tap back into that,” Monken told reporters during his introductory press conference on February 3.
Watson’s five-year, $230 million contract expires in 2028, but the Browns are financially obligated to Watson through the 2029 season. That is a significant factor in his remaining on the roster heading into 2026.
Still, the comments represent the most positive official outlook for Watson in several seasons.
Deshaun Watson’s Hard Work Could Pay Off
GettyDeshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns walks across the field during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Berry praised Watson for “working really hard,” saying, “he’s been working his tail off,” per ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi on February 24. “We’re excited to go in mid-April with all of our players across the roster.”
That also includes 2025 third-round selection Dillon Gabriel.
Watson spent his time with the team helping out his young teammates. He received praise from former Browns QB coach Bill Musgrave, who made it clear that Watson wants back on the field.
“He’s working hard. He’s out there working behind the scenes,” Musgrave told reporters in October 2025. “I know at times when we’re meeting or when we’re doing other stuff during the afternoon, he seems like he’s working like crazy.”
Musgrave also noted how much he appreciated Watson’s presence on road trips.
He added that the veteran has “definitely been through a lot, and I know he wants to play a lot of football again. He feels like he’s got a lot of tread left on his tire.”
Watson will need to prove his mettle on the field during the spring and summer, but the former Texans franchise passer has already been touted as the best in-house option for the Browns from a readiness and talent standpoint.
Health permitting, Watson could be in line for his 20th start since the Texans traded him in 2022.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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