The Cleveland Browns will be entering yet another NFL season with more questions than answers at the quarterback position. While Shedeur Sanders finished the 2025 season as the starter, that will certainly be put to the test this off-season.
One of the quarterbacks who will be competing with Shedeur was named by new head coach Todd Monken.
Browns Head Coach Todd Monken ‘Intrigued’ by Deshaun Watson – QB Will Have Chance to Compete for Starting Role in 2026
Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, sidelined for the entire 2025 season with a twice-torn Achilles tendon, is fully recovered and set to resume throwing this week, with new head coach Todd Monken expressing genuine intrigue about his potential return to the field:
Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported on Tuesday, February 10 that Monken is “intrigued” by Watson’s potential, as the much-maligned QB enters the final year of his contract with the franchise.
“In a small group session after his introductory press conference, Monken acknowledged that he’s ‘intrigued’ by the opportunity to work with Watson, the 2017 No. 12 overall pick and three-time Pro Bowler during his four years in Houston, and see where that might go,” Cabot wrote.
She added that Watson, now fully recovered nearly 16 months following his initial Achilles injury in October 2024, will begin throwing again on Wednesday. Based on Monken’s comments, Watson will have essentially the same opportunity as Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel to win the starting role heading into 2026.
Monken has also stated that the team will consider bringing in signal-callers who are not currently part of the organization, which leaves open the potential for the Browns to draft a rookie QB, sign a member of the upcoming free agent class or perhaps even make a trade should the right opportunity present itself.
Key Updates on Deshaun Watson’s Status
- Health Recovery: Watson is now 100% healthy nearly 16 months after his initial Achilles tear in October 2024 (and a second surgery after a retear in January 2025). He began workouts with his private trainer in South Florida on Monday and will resume throwing on Wednesday with QB coach Quincy Avery and possibly Browns receivers.
- Competition for QB1: Monken emphasized an open competition: Watson will have “essentially the same opportunity” as Sanders and Gabriel to win the starting job. The coach described being “intrigued” by Watson’s upside as a former elite dual-threat player, saying the team would “love to tap back into” his Pro Bowl-level form.
- Past Performance and Challenges: Watson has started just 19 games for Cleveland (9-10 record), throwing for 3,365 yards, 19 TDs, and 12 INTs while rushing for 465 yards and 3 scores. He missed significant time due to an 11-game suspension in 2022 (related to off-field allegations) and injuries in 2023 and 2024. All 27 civil lawsuits against him have been resolved via confidential settlements, with no trials scheduled.
Broader Browns QB Room and Offseason Outlook
The Browns’ quarterback situation remains fluid after a dismal offensive showing in 2025 (last in points scored over two seasons). Monken, hired January 28, 2026, inherits Sanders (who earned a Pro Bowl alternate nod as a rookie), Gabriel, and Watson, but the team is expected to explore upgrades. General manager Andrew Berry has said the new coach will have input on the QB decision, and Monken has stressed evaluating personality traits and scheme fit.
Fan frustration with Watson’s tenure (limited starts, high cap cost) contrasts with his legal resolution and physical recovery, creating a “fresh start” narrative under Monken. However, public sentiment has largely moved past Watson, per local reports, putting pressure on the staff to prioritize youth like Sanders if he outperforms in camp.
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