The Cleveland Browns and Deshaun Watson have a relationship unlike any team and quarterback in NFL history. Though just approaching its fourth anniversary, it has had an incredible amount of ups and downs in that relatively short time.
Now, the latest unexpected twist may be on the horizon, as there is a chance that Watson will enter the 2026 season as the Browns’ starting quarterback. It’s something that seemed impossible at multiple points over the past year.
With Shedeur Sanders’ future as a viable starting quarterback in the NFL perpetually in doubt, analyst Bruce Drennan is raising a big question about Watson, saying the Browns may have no choice but to turn to him.
“It’s a legitimate question because Sanders is unproven. We shall see, but if Sanders flops, what are you gonna do?” Drennan said.
"It's a legit question because Shedeur Sanders is unproven." #DawgPound
Bruce sees a Deshaun Watson resurgence in 2026 as being more on the table than you'd think. 👀 pic.twitter.com/THdF6k0pZE
— Bruce Drennan Show (@Bruce_Drennan) February 13, 2026
The idea of this scenario playing out has been growing since the end of last season, based on factors such as Watson’s burdensome contract, in particular. New head coach Todd Monken did nothing to shut down the speculation when he refused to reveal his plans for the quarterback position when answering the first question posed to him at his first press conference.
Now, with no solution likely to be found in the 2026 NFL Draft or on the open market this offseason, Monken could be facing a choice between Sanders and Watson entering training camp. It is far from an ideal situation for someone who just became one of the oldest first-time NFL head coaches in history.
Since Watson was traded to the Browns by the Houston Texans in March 2022, he has dealt with sexual assault allegations and lawsuits, an NFL suspension, and two season-ending injuries. Saddled with a contract that gave him the most guaranteed money in league history, the Browns have not been able to just let him go.
Incredibly, that may turn out to be the best thing that’s happened to them, because if he can somehow return to his former Pro Bowl form under the offensive-minded Monken, the Browns could have a much better 2026 season than anyone could have possibly imagined.
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