NFL, American Football Herren, USA Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns Sep 7, 2025 Cleveland, Ohio, USA Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson 4 during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field. Cleveland Huntington Bank Field Ohio USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKenxBlazex 20250907_jhp_bk4_0465

Jun 30, 2026, 1:59 PM CUT

Browns coach reveals what surprised him the most about Deshaun Watson at OTAs

As the battle continues to play out between quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders for the Browns QB1 for the 2026 season, QB coach Mike Bajakian has revealed what surprised him about Watson.

Bajakian appeared on the Cleveland Browns Daily podcast in conversation with host and Browns’ insider Nathan Zegura last week and gave his opinion on Watson’s performance at the OTAs.

“What struck me in the brief time I’ve spent with him is his ability to process information, which is the most important element of being a quarterback,” revealed Bajakian. “I think people take for granted that that is a strength of his because you know that that’s hard to evaluate. It’s hard to see on film.”

Jun 11, 2026; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) leaves the field during minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Bajakian shared with host Zegura on the Cleveland Browns Daily podcast that while everyone knows about Watson’s athletic ability and arm talent, Watson’s experience playing football in various schemes has helped him adapt to the Browns’ strategy quickly.

The quarterback coach admired Watson for doing a “great job” during his preparation time and at the line of scrimmage. Bajakian shared that Watson, being a three-time Pro Bowler, adds to all the other positive traits in the veteran.

Per J R DeGroote of heavy.com, Watson has a lot to prove to become their QB1 for the entire season. He received a fully guaranteed $230 million contract when the Browns traded three first-round picks with the Houston Texans in 2022.

While the Browns hoped to end their search for a franchise QB with Watson, the 30-year-old’s off-the-field issues and Achilles injuries affected his performance on the field.

In his four years at Cleveland, where he missed the entire 2025 season due to an injury, Watson has only played 19 games, with 19 TDs, and went 9-10 as the starter.

DeGroote concluded by saying that Watson now enters his final year of contract and finds himself battling with 24-year-old Shedeur Sanders for the QB1 spot as the Browns head into the 2026 season.

NFL insiders give update on the Browns’ QB1 battle

The Browns’ QB1 competition has continued to be a trending topic in the NFL. Insiders have been sharing tidbits about what they’ve been hearing. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler added to the conversation in his latest update.

“Watson has had the leg up, and was told to me by somebody with the team that Shedeur Sanders made enough strides where he’s closed the gap, at least somewhat,” shared Fowler. “Most around the league do expect Watson, the veteran, to get this job.”

According to Jimmy Swartz of Browns Nation, while Sanders’ progress adds uncertainty to the QB1 decision, Watson is still viewed as the favorite around the NFL.

With the training camp approaching in July, NFL insiders and fans hope to finally know the answer regarding the Browns’ QB1 for the 2026 season.

Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote