After rupturing his Achilles tendon in October 2024, Deshaun Watson is gearing up for a comeback following a long absence. But the veteran quarterback might not be receiving the welcome he’d hoped for, at least according to one NFL reporter.

In his April 29 report ranking NFL offenses, Brad Gagnon placed the Cleveland Browns at the bottom of the chart. And he listed Watson as a concern regarding the unit’s performance.

“Watson hasn't been a factor in half a decade, Sanders and Gabriel both completed fewer than 60 percent of their passes in 2025,” Gagnon wrote for Bleacher Report. “Change doesn't guarantee improvement with the line, and the receiving corps is likely to encounter growing pains.”

The Browns were one of the worst-performing offenses in 2025. They went 5-12 last season and were ranked 31st overall in scoring, with just 262.1 yards per game.

Their three QBs managed just 3,152 yards and scored 27 touchdowns, while Watson re-injured his Achilles in January 2025 and underwent a second surgery.

His absence meant that the Browns had to make a quick decision to acquire Joe Flacco from the New York Jets for a veteran presence on the team. It was a pressing need, especially since the Browns ended the previous season with a 3-14 record.

These consecutive poor results stung even more as Watson was a stellar player with the Houston Texans. But he is yet to reach eight regular games a season for the Browns.

Now, his five-year, $230 million contract expires in 2026. Yet, the latest developments in the Browns’ rookie minicamp indicate that all hope is not lost for Watson.

Can Deshaun Watson Be a Starter at the Cleveland Browns?

Brad Gagnon might’ve criticized Watson in his report, but he hasn’t held the QB accountable for all of the Browns’ shortcomings.

While listing reasons to remain optimistic for this season, Gagnon mentioned the Browns have a better offensive line and direction. 

“The line had become a major problem and has now been retooled significantly,” he wrote before adding more. “Pro Bowler Deshaun Watson is back for now as well. Plus, Todd Monken takes over the offense after experiencing plenty of success in Baltimore.”

Watson, 30, has more on-field experience, seven years exactly, than any other name on the QB depth chart. Latest reports suggest he led with first-team snaps in the Berea minicamp held in April.

Interestingly, franchise owner Jimmy Haslam has reconsidered his stance on Watson after calling him a “swing-and-a-miss” in April, 2025. 

“The year before we signed him, he was rated the second-best quarterback in the NFL,” Haslam said late in March. “And then...the injuries...piled up. Can he come back from that? We’re cautiously optimistic.”

Watson's comeback is not going to be smooth sailing, either for him or the spectators. But his name is certainly going to make more headlines. What are your thoughts?

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote