If the Cleveland Browns had any idea just how trading for Deshaun Watson would cost them, they certainly would’ve reconsidered the deal. 

After his absence in the last season, Watson is returning for the 2026 campaign, and one expert’s take on Cleveland's quarterback situation pricks the ears of any Browns fan.

On 10 April, NFL analyst Brad Gagnon of the Bleacher Report ranked some of the worst QB situations across the NFL. And no wonder the Browns are the third-worst. 

“Deshaun Watson hasn't been a factor in the NFL since 2020, but remains on the roster because they've got little to lose and he's too costly to cast aside,” Gagnon wrote. “The only other options are unproven 2025 middle-round picks in Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.”

The Browns traded Watson from the Houston Texans in 2022. They offered him a $230 million contract for five years, which has since become a cautionary tale in the league.

Watson injured his Achilles tendon twice in two years and, as a result, missed out on the 2025 season entirely. He last played in October 2024 and appeared in 19 games since 2022.

While the inclination to rely on him comes with caution, it makes sense for the Browns. After all, they did cut him a huge paycheck, so might as well get whatever returns they can. 

Even with the setbacks, Watson is more reliable than the other young quarterbacks: Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.

In his best season with the Texans, Watson threw 33 TDs, for a league high 4,823 passing yards and seven interceptions.

While betting on a “swing and a miss” QB is a huge risk, the Browns have limited choices. The franchise has nine picks in the upcoming draft, and Gagnon has guessed what they will be used for.

Will Watson Triumph in the Browns’ Quarterback Drama?

While Gagnon listed the potential QB picks like Ty Simpson, Carson Beck, and Taylen Green, the implications of trusting Watson as the QB1 are many. He is 30 years old and has just been cleared from a major injury. 

But Browns expert Daryl Ruiter is convinced that Watson will start next season. 

“They are softening the ground for him to win that competition a 100%,” he told Ken Carman of 92.3 FM. “There’s no question about that, and that’s smart on their part to lay that groundwork now, Ken, because there is a real possibility that he’s your starter Week 1.”

The Browns went 3-14 in 2024 and 5-12 last year. While the defense is good, the offense ranked second last in points scored last season.

What are your thoughts on Deshaun Watson starting this season? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore