Deshaun Watson is attempting to reclaim his position as the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback. But a younger player’s efforts might overshadow him. 

In his report for The Athletic published on Friday, Zac Jackson argued that Watson’s chances of becoming the QB1 in the upcoming season are extremely low.

He opined that the 30-year-old does not align with the franchise’s efforts to improve.

“The chances of Watson being with the Browns past this season are extremely low,” Jackson wrote. “The level at which he would have to play to even be the best option for a rebuilding 2026 Browns team is a level he’s rarely performed at since 2020. I feel stronger than ever that Sanders, not Watson, is the favorite to win the starting job.” 

This report came two days after head coach Todd Monken revealed he will allot practice snaps to the quarterbacks based on their previous performances. Watson does not have much to show with under 8 games in each of his last three seasons.

Watson injured his Achilles’ tendon twice in the past four years and played in 19 games as a result.

He scored 19 passing touchdowns for 3,365 yards against 12 interceptions in that time. After signing a $230 million contract with Cleveland, this was hardly the performance anyone wanted to see.

In the past, the Browns have been at a major disadvantage because of their unstable quarterback rosters, and Watson tops it all off. 

Traded in 2022 from the Houston Texans, Watson was believed to transform the Browns. They signed him for five years with a guaranteed contract worth $230 million. But the payoff is non-existent. 

Even if he has recovered from an injury that set him back and won the favor of franchise owner Jimmy Haslam, Watson has a long way to go.

Where Does Deshaun Watson Stand in the Ongoing Quarterback Debate?

Watson is currently 30, with only a year left with the Browns. After a long absence, he will be up against a 24-year-old Sanders, who has been active this offseason.

The former Colorado Buffs star has shared snippets of his workout session and made his presence known to Monken. 

While talking about his snap distribution in the annual NFL meeting, the head coach also praised Sanders for working towards his goals. Monken said it was “refreshing” to see Sanders, who “recognizes where he’s at.”

Apart from Sanders, Watson also needs to prepare for the implications Ty Simpson holds. The Alabama player is widely regarded as the No.6 overall pick by the Browns and just the weapon the team needs.

With 28 passing touchdowns for 3,567 yards and only five interceptions, he elevated his program’s NCAA standing from 17 to 9 in a year. 

Watson’s future with the Browns remains murky. But on the other hand, could he make an unexpected comeback? What are your thoughts? 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote