The days of Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns appeared long gone after he missed the entire 2025 campaign with a twice-torn Achilles tendon, but with new head coach Todd Monken has come renewed hope for Watson’s prospects.
Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported on Tuesday, February 10 that Monken is “intrigued” by Watson’s potential, as the much-maligned QB enters the final year of his contract with the franchise.
“In a small group session after his introductory press conference, Monken acknowledged that he’s ‘intrigued’ by the opportunity to work with Watson, the 2017 No. 12 overall pick and three-time Pro Bowler during his four years in Houston, and see where that might go,” Cabot wrote.
She added that Watson, now fully recovered nearly 16 months following his initial Achilles injury in October 2024, will begin throwing again on Wednesday. Based on Monken’s comments, Watson will have essentially the same opportunity as Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel to win the starting role heading into 2026.
Monken has also stated that the team will consider bringing in signal-callers who are not currently part of the organization, which leaves open the potential for the Browns to draft a rookie QB, sign a member of the upcoming free agent class or perhaps even make a trade should the right opportunity present itself.
Deshaun Watson Has Started Just 19 Games for Browns Over Past 4 Seasons
GettyCleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.
The upcoming season represents a fresh start for Watson in a variety of ways.
Cleveland fans have had a long palate cleanser to wash away the sour taste of Watson’s struggles as the on-again, off-again starter across his first two and a half seasons with the team.
He missed 11 games in 2022 due to an NFL suspension regarding off-field legal and civil issues, which stemmed from more than two dozen accusations of sexual misconduct. Watson also battled injuries in both 2023 and 2024.
In total, Watson has started just 19 contests for the Browns after the organization inked him to a five-year contract worth $230 million, which it fully guaranteed. He is 9-10 in those outings and has thrown for 3,365 yards, 19 TDs and 12 INTs. Watson has also rushed the football for 465 yards and three scores.
Deshaun Watson Now Out From Under All Civil, Criminal Suits Stemming From Off-Field Allegations
GettyCleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.
It appeared as though former head coach Kevin Stefanski had seen all he needed to see from Watson. But now healthy, with a new head coach and moderate competition currently in the position group for the starting role, Watson has one more chance to make a comeback.
His legal issues, which began well before he landed in Cleveland, are also now officially over.
“In addition to finally being healthy, Watson settled the final two civil suits against him last month with massage therapists accusing him of sexual misconduct, and will no longer stand trial in February and March,” Cabot reported.
In total, Watson faced 27 suits from accusers.
Monken would not be doing his due diligence by not giving Watson a real chance in 2026, as the final year of his contract currently carries an $80.7 million salary cap hit. The Browns will probably restructure that deal yet again to bring the staggering and debilitating number down, as Monken and his new staff attempt to rebuild one of the league’s worst offensive units last season.
Cleveland already faces cap hits of $25.7 million, $16.7 million and $8 million between 2027-29, respectively, due to previous restructures of Watson’s deal.
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