Deshaun Watson Gets Polarized Reactions Amid Encouraging Report

The Houston Texans traded Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns during the 2022 offseason, and he has still logged just three games more than a regular-season slate under center since.

That could all change this coming season.

If it does, the fallout could be significant, both in terms of fan reaction and what it means for the three-time Pro Bowler’s future.

Former Texans QB Deshaun Watson Gets Another Encouraging Update

GettyDeshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns is seen on the sidelines against the New York Jets.

Watson was the 12th overall pick of the 2017 draft by the Texans. He appeared to be well on his way to being in perennial MVP discussions before injuries and personal misconduct allegations ensued.

“They’re willing to see if Watson can rebound this season coming off his two surgeries to repair the ruptured and re-ruptured right Achilles,” Cabot wrote on March 22. “Reports out of South Florida, where he’s throwing under the guidance of his quarterbacks coach Quincy Avery, have all been very positive, and Todd Monken is eager to work with him.”

That is just the latest in a run of encouraging updates for Watson in his post-Texans tenure.

Cabot’s report comes just under two weeks after ESPN’s Adam Schefter interjected his read on the situation in Cleveland.

“We’ll see how it unfolds,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said on “The Pat McAfee Show” on March 10. “There are people out there who believe that Deshaun Watson could very well be the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns.”

The Browns were long viewed as being held back by Watson’s exorbitant contract.

However, he appears on track to at least contend for the starting job this coming summer. He enters the final season of the five-year, $230 million pact.

Deshaun Watson Buzz Drawing Mixed Reactions

GettyDeshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns looks on before a game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Watson, who turns 31 in September, has completed 61.2% of his passes for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in his four seasons (three healthy) with the Browns. He had a 14,539, 104-36 line on 67.8% completion in three-plus seasons under center for the Texans.

He has not played since Week 7 of the 2024 season.

The growing sense that Watson could be in the mix for the Browns’ QB1 job has led to strong reactions in Cleveland.

92.3 The Fan’s Daryl Ruiter and Nick Pardon both said they would be “done” if Watson is the starter. But ESPN’s Chris Oldach and Nick Paulus were more receptive. That is particularly true given the current makeup of the Browns’ QB room with Dillon Gabriel and Sheduer Sanders.

Deshaun Watson Reunited With Former Texans Teammate

GettyTytus Howard #71 of the Houston Texans on the field during a game against the Los Angeles Rams

This offseason saw the Texans and Browns renew their history of trade partnership, which includes Watson and offensive lineman Cam Robinson. Houston traded Robinson to Cleveland last season.

The Texans traded Tytus Howard to the Browns, reuniting him with Watson. Howard blocked for Watson during the first two seasons of his career.

Howard is eager to work with all of his QBs, but had strong praise for Watson.

“It was a great experience. That first year in 2019, we won a lot of games, went to the playoffs, and eventually end up losing in the Divisional [Round] to the Chiefs. But Deshaun made a lot of plays for us. He’s a great player. He’s a great guy off the field. So, as quarterback, O-lineman, we hung out a lot off the field. And on the field, we had a good relationship also,” Howard told reporters during his introductory press conference on March 16.

“Deshaun’s reached out a couple times, and we talked. Excited to block up front and be able to give them boys some time.”

Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Deshaun Watson Gets Polarized Reactions Amid Encouraging Report appeared first on Heavy Sports.