Quarterback Deshaun Watson's injury and inconsistency concerns remain one of the Cleveland Browns' biggest talking points. Former NFL linebacker James "Deebo" Harrison believes the franchise made a bold suggestion as he discussed Watson.

While speaking on the Deebo & Joe podcast, Harrison was blunt in his skepticism regarding Watson's situation and whether he could still be a reliable QB1. With so many injury-riddled seasons with the Browns, he believed that Watson's best football is likely behind him.

"I don't see him getting back to the form that he was," Harrison said on the Deebo & Joe podcast on July 15. "I've totally forgot he was actually. You know cuz I hadn't really seen him do anything, and then you know, looking at what his whole numbers were since he got to Cleveland. I didn't know that they were that low either."

Harrison's statement on the July 15 episode of the Deebo & Joe podcast shows the growing suspicion around Watson's tenure in Cleveland.

Once regarded as one of the NFL's dual-threat QBs with the Houston Texans, Watson has struggled to stay healthy and produce consistently since he came to Cleveland.

The veteran QB's absences and reduced production are what led to Harrison's criticism. Since joining the Browns in 2022, Watson has appeared in only a limited number of games due to suspension and injuries.

He fractured his shoulder, which ended his 2023 season after six games, and then did not appear in the regular season since October 2024, when he had a season-ending Achilles injury.

Following such injuries, Watson failed to perform at the level that had earned him three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2018 to 2020 and classified him as one of the league's top passers.

Watson's 28-26 record with the Texans dwindled to a 9-10 record as a starter with the Browns, per Statmuse.

Cleveland's QB room has become crowded with the franchise looking for multiple options. This uncertainty has led to the question if Cleveland should build around the 2017 NFL draft first-round pick or move on.

However, in the end, the competition will decide who will take on the starting role in the Cleveland Browns. And no matter who the quarterback is, the Browns will need to have a strong offense around him.

Browns' WR snub creates major concern for Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders

According to Anne Erickson of The Sporting News, Cleveland's receiving corps failed to earn recognition in ESPN's annual wide receivers rankings, highlighting concerns about the talent around the team's QBs.

"No Browns players appeared on the list," wrote Anne Erickson of The Sporting News on July 15. "We're talking the Browns' wideout room getting shut out of the top 10, honorable mentions, and "also receiving votes" section. That's a problem for both Sanders and Watson."

While Jerry Jeudy is the No. 1 WR in Cleveland, his performance last year was not impressive enough. So, the Browns are also counting on young additions such as KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston.

Regardless of whether Sanders or Watson wins the starting role, the lack of a receiving group could make consistent offensive production more challenging.

What are your views on Deshaun Watson coming from an injury? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit