There are many opinions on Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition. However, only a few matter and one of them is the Browns’ quarterback coach Mike Bajakian.

“What has struck me in the brief time I’ve spent with him is his ability to process information, which is the most important element of being a quarterback,” he said on June 24, per Browns Nation. “I think people take for granted that that is a strength of his because that’s hard to evaluate. It’s hard to see on film, but he does.”

The Browns are carrying the search for a starting quarterback into the training camp. Watson, 30 and a veteran, is up against Shedeur Sanders. Watson is aiming for a comeback as a starter in his final season with the Browns. 

The two time Pro Bowler had signed a five-year contract with the Browns in 2022. But his pre-Browns hype and stats did not translate in Ohio. In the past four years, he played in just 19 games. 

Watson hasn’t stepped on the field since October 2024 when he sustained a severe Achilles injury. Franchise owener Jimmy Haslam even called him a “swing and a miss” trade early in 2025. However, as the team looks to find itself a reliable quarterback, Watson’s experience has taken center-stage. 

Mike Bajakian praises Deshaun Watson’s experience 

Deshaun Watson played for the Houston Texans for four years and he led the league with 4,823 passing yards in 2020. His performance with the Texans earned him a $230 million contract from the Browns.

Despite his unsatisfactory performance in the past four years, Bajakian said Watson’s experience and ability to adapt makes him admirable. 

“He’s played a lot of football in different schemes. He’s able to translate it quickly into what we’re doing, but he’s done a great job in preparation, and he does a great job at the line of scrimmage. He’s been a pro, that’s the other thing that I really admire about working with him,” he said.

Watson was touted to be the starting quarterback in the 2026 but Shedeur Sanders has caught up with him in the OTAs. How do you think this season fares for Watson and the QB competition? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar