QB Deshaun Watson is hoping to get a fresh start with the Cleveland Browns, where he’s been since 2022. His tenure in Cleveland was marred by off-the-field legal issues, poor play, and injuries, especially his Achilles injury that kept him away for 19 months. 

More than a year ago, it looked like the quarterback had played his final snap for Cleveland and possibly, in the NFL. But on day 1 of the three-day voluntary minicamp in April, Watson was the first QB to take part in the drills and portrayed the same willingness at the OTAs.

NFL insider Jeremy Fowler shed light on the developing relationship between coach Monken and Watson.

“I’m all for a clean slate,” said Monken after Tuesday’s practice. “I think it’s really cool that he still has an opportunity with a change to showcase his ability and show where he’s at. I’m all for it.”

Per Fowler, Deshaun Watson holds no ill will toward the Browns and believes that Monken’s offense will bring out the best in him. Now, as he enters his final year of contract, the Browns head coach, Todd Monken, has given him a “clean slate”.

Fowler added that Watson now has an offense that caters to his strengths. He could justify his controversial trade to the Browns by winning the QB1, staying healthy on and off the field, providing steady play, and helping the franchise. . 

On the first day of the OTAs, Monken reported positively about Watson’s performance. “He moved around great, and the ball came out great”, was the coach’s reaction.

“He’s made a lot of money, he’s had plenty of success, and he’s had disappointment in his career,” said Monken about Watson. “A number of things he couldn’t control from an injury standpoint, but to come back and want to battle, want to further his career and change the narrative, I think it’s really cool.”

Fowler further added that Watson feels more capable of performing under Monken’s style of training. Given his skill set, if Watson performs even 80% of what he was, it’s a win for the Browns, Monken, and Watson. That is, if the Browns figure out their QB1 situation. 

Watson vs. Sanders: Monken’s Say on the QB1 Lead

While Watson moved great during the practice, Sanders also demonstrated better play than before at the minicamp in April. Coach Monken praised both quarterbacks, but didn’t confirm who the QB1 would be.

“Nothing’s really changed,” said Monken about the QB1 situation. “We’re going to rotate those guys (Watson and Sanders) and play the best player, and we’ll see.”

Monken ended by saying that he wants to enter the training camp in July with a clear pecking order at the game’s most important position. 

With two months more on the timeline for the QB1 announcement, who do you think it will be- Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders? Tell us in the comments.

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Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi