Deshaun Watson is hoping to strengthen his case in the quarterback battle that could shape both his future with the Cleveland Browns, as the veteran QB has begun putting in extra work weeks before training camp.

Watson has been training around Cleveland ahead of camp rather than taking time off. He enters one of the biggest offseasons of his career as he competes with second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders for the starting role.

"As we stand about four weeks away from the beginning of Cleveland's Training Camp, Watson has not kept it a secret that he is working out in and around Cleveland, Ohio,” Anthony Moeglin of Browns Wire wrote on July 3.  “Earlier this week, Watson posted on his Instagram that he was at the Browns facility with Harold Fannin Jr., getting some route work in."

Watson returned to the practice field again later in the week, sharing another workout from Baldwin-Wallace University. He worked with wide receiver Luke Floriea and tight ends Brendan Bates and Blake Whiteheart during a hot-weather session near the Browns' facility.

Watson has not lived up to expectations since arriving in Cleveland. Across three seasons, he has played only 19 regular-season games while recording 3,365 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

According to Anthony Moeglin of the Browns Wire, training camp now gives Watson a chance to change that story. A strong performance could help him regain the starting job.

That battle becomes even more interesting because the competition waiting for Watson is not slowing down.

Deshaun Watson's work ethic draws attention

Deshaun Watson has made it clear that he is treating the weeks before camp as another opportunity to prove himself. His offseason work comes as the Browns continue evaluating both him and Shedeur Sanders before deciding who will lead the offense.

The competition carries extra weight as Watson enters the final season of his fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. Sanders, meanwhile, has impressed coaches with his growth after making seven starts during his rookie season.

"No shortcuts. Just work! 4OVE" Watson captioned his Instagram post.

Watson has not played since suffering an Achilles tendon injury in October 2024, which sidelined him for the entire 2025 season. His return this summer is viewed as one of his biggest opportunities to show he can still perform at a high level.

“When they get back to camp, I do believe it’s going to be a robust competition between Deshaun and Shedeur,” Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot stated on 92.3 The Fan.

Sanders has not backed away from the challenge either. The young quarterback improved throughout the offseason, and he plans to attend Watson's passing camp in South Florida later this month rather than organize separate workouts.

As training camp begins July 31st, which QB do you think will win the starting job? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Shreya Mishra

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore