The Cleveland Browns quarterback competition has dominated headlines throughout training camp, with many outside voices continuing to weigh in on the battle. Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins, who has lined up across from Watson in joint practices this week, made his feelings clear when discussing what Watson still means to an offense when given proper protection.
“I remember, and Deshaun is still him. If you have a line that can protect the quarterback, then the quarterback is gonna thrive. He’s been that guy. He is that guy. The world tries to paint a crazy picture that’s already painted, but let the past be the past. Let the kid ball. He’s a baller, and he’s here, and he shows it. The battles are there, and they kept going, and they’re gonna keep going. If he’s playing on Saturday, then he’ll be balling again,” Dawkins said.
#Bills Dion Dawkins with praise for #Browns Deshaun Watson pic.twitter.com/1BssEDtHu4
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 20, 2026
National analysts have increasingly pointed toward Watson as the frontrunner to open the season under center.
The praise from Dawkins lands at a moment when Watson needs every bit of goodwill he can get, both inside the building and around the league. Opposing players rarely go out of their way to build up a quarterback they have battled against unless something genuine backs it up, which makes this endorsement stand out among the usual training camp chatter. Todd Monken and the coaching staff have stayed tight-lipped about their timeline for naming a starter.
The Browns and Bills are set to wrap up their preseason slate this weekend, with Sanders expected to get the start after Watson took first-team reps in the previous exhibition matchup against Chicago. That rotation has become the central storyline of training camp, and every rep, quote and outside opinion continues to be scrutinized as Monken and the coaching staff work toward naming a starter. Dawkins’ endorsement will not decide who wins the job, but it adds another voice to the growing chorus suggesting Watson still has plenty left to offer when the situation around him improves.
NEXT: Insider Says Deshaun Watson Must Clean Up One Major Problem
