Deshaun Watson has not only changed the predicted course of the Cleveland Browns’ season, but he has also created a new path for the rest of his career. As recently as this preseason, it seemed impossible that Watson would return to the Browns, let alone find a market for himself in the rest of the league, but now those scenarios seem more likely than not.
Overall, Watson has been a middling NFL QB this year, but his four game-winning drives have put the Browns in first place in the AFC North. He is still just seven games into his return from two years on the sidelines, so there may be more upside that is yet to be seen.
With 10 regular-season games remaining after this week’s meeting with the Tennessee Titans, a lot can change between now and this coming offseason. But as it stands, Watson certainly could wind up as Cleveland’s starter again in 2027.
Jonathan Jones of The Athletic is reporting that the Browns could make a big contract move with Watson and re-sign him even if they do add a potential QB of the future in the NFL Draft.
“The door is wide open for him to be with the Browns,” says one league source. “It’s the only line on a starting quarterback job he’ll have. And even if you are in position to take one high, or get in position to do so, you’re in no rush to play the rookie.”
Even though the upcoming draft is projected to be loaded with quarterback talent, Watson’s heroics may be pushing the Browns too far down the board to grab one they like. If Cleveland does make the playoffs, it would be very difficult to justify moving on from him after head coach Todd Monken chose him as the starter in the first place.
Yet, the better Watson plays, the bigger market he creates for himself as a potential free agent. Jones said Browns owner Jimmy Haslam called it “premature” to discuss re-signing Watson, though he did say he respects the way the 31-year-old has worked his way back from two Achilles tears.
Jones wrote that Watson’s injury history combined with the sexual assault lawsuits that he faced could keep other teams from pursuing him. But he also said that would not create a discount on what Watson might ask for on another contract from the Browns.
With so much to be determined, this will be a storyline to watch until Watson signs with the Browns or winds up someplace else.
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