With the training camp approaching fast, the Browns' QB1 battle is nearing its conclusion. But before that, Deshaun Watson has sent a strong message.

On July 11, Watson took to his Instagram to share a video of himself training. In the caption, he wrote, “1% 4OVE.” But it was the message in the footage that carried the greatest significance ahead of the season.

"Keep stepping on everybody's necks, man. That's the mentality we have to have this year. You feel me," Watson said in the Instagram reel. "So, we're good. We're in a good space. Work always comes first. That's mandatory.”

Watson's Instagram (@deshaunwatson) clip began with him highlighting the training partners who joined him for the session.

“Another day in the books. Great work. Got my dawgs Luke and KC out here," Watson says in the video clip. "Got a couple of young guys that are in college. Just wanna get that work in with us. You know, we just keep stacking for real. Every day counts. Every rep counts. Whatever we can do to stay ahead of everybody."

Since 2022, injuries have sidelined Watson for 49 of the Browns' 68 games. Looking for a comeback after a torn Achilles tendon derailed his entire 2025 season, Watson has been doing his best.

The three-time Pro Bowler in his time with the Browns has played in only 19 games (9-10), with a 61.2% pass completion, for 3,365 passing yards and 19 touchdowns. He hasn't played more than seven games for the past three seasons.

Interestingly, while Sanders appears to be closing the gap in the race for the QB1 spot, a key Browns insider believes Watson will ultimately start for the Browns.

Insider tips Deshaun Watson to win the Browns' starting quarterback job

At the OTAs and minicamps, Watson led the way by going 90-for-133 with 13 touchdowns and three interceptions, while Sanders wasn't far behind at 79-for-113 with five touchdowns and three interceptions.

Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot said Sanders is closing the gap. However, Watson remains the favorite to start in Week 1.

“You can change it up and run the show, you can make choices and just basically be the point guard of this offense,” Cabot said per PJ Starlissimo X handle. “And Deshaun has more experience playing like that. It’s what he did in Houston under Bill O’Brien. And Todd Monken knows that. He has seen that side of Deshaun Watson. He’s watched that side of him for years.”

Deshaun Watson hasn't proven himself with the Browns yet. If he can stay healthy, Watson has the talent to perform at a much higher level.

During his time with the Houston Texans, he threw for more than 14,000 yards and 104 touchdowns while rushing for over 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Watson might not be viewed as the frontrunner for the QB1 job because of his injury history, but if given the opportunity, he can turn things around, and that could be monumental in the QB1 race.

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Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Rudra Dubey