Browns QB Deshaun Watson is not dead yet
Speaking to the media at the NFL Owners' meeting, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam kept it real about Deshaun Watson and his chances in 2026.
One year ago, Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam called the trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson a "swing and a miss. " Now, exactly a calendar year later, Haslam seems to be singing a different tune. This week, NFL insiders have been saying that Watson has a great chance to win the Browns' starting job, and now the team's owner is speaking more along the same terms.
At the NFL Owners' meeting in Arizona, Haslam spoke to local media and stated that Watson has a "great chance" and a "fresh start" under new head coach Todd Monken. This could just be owner speak, or the leadership of the organization could also be preparing the fanbase for the season that is to come. Can Watson really win the Browns' starting gig?
Yes. As it stands, the only other quarterbacks on the roster in Cleveland are Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Neither of the rookies, while development can still take place, necessarily lit the world on fire when they had their opportunities a year ago.
Gabriel often played far too passively, while Sanders was too aggressive. General Manager Andrew Berry also stated a fourth name could come into the mix, too, and that name would also be expected to compete for the starting job. However, Watson has every bit the chance to win the job as it stands today.