The Deshaun Watson era in Cleveland isn’t over — yet. After a rocky stretch defined by injuries and inconsistent play, there is renewed belief inside the organization that his career can still be turned around under new head coach Todd Monken.
That optimism hinges on whether Watson can exhume even a fraction of the form that once made him one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks. With a new system in place and a competitive quarterback room forming, the Cleveland Browns appear willing to give him that opportunity.
Browns See Path for Deshaun Watson Revival Under Head Coach Todd Monken
ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler has framed the situation as difficult but not hopeless, highlighting both the concerns and the potential that still exists within Cleveland’s building.
“They feel like he’s a good fit for Todd Monken’s offense if he can get just a semblance of the confidence he had four or five years ago,” Fowler said. “I know that might be a long shot, and he’s got the two Achilles tears. They feel like this could be salvageable if he can just prove it over the next four to five months.”
That assessment captures the delicate balance the Browns are navigating. On one hand, Watson’s recent injuries and declining production raise legitimate questions about his long-term viability. On the other hand, Monken’s offensive system is widely viewed as quarterback-friendly, built on timing, spacing, and quick decision-making rather than on pure athleticism.
If Watson can operate within that structure and regain confidence in his mechanics, the ceiling could be raised. Even incremental improvement could stabilize Cleveland’s offense and justify the organization’s continued investment. Training camp and the early part of the season will serve as a proving ground timeline, not just for Watson’s health, but for his ability to execute consistently within Monken’s scheme.
Monken Sets Competitive Tone for Watson, Shedeur Sanders
While Watson’s potential revival is a major storyline, Monken stressed that nothing will be handed to anyone. From the outset, the first-year Browns head coach has emphasized competition and daily evaluation across the quarterback room.
Monken said he was encouraged by what he saw early, noting the group was “bright-eyed, wanted to learn” and that you “couldn’t ask for a better start in that QB room.” That energy extends beyond Watson, with second-year quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel also pushing for opportunities.
“There’s enough there to really like Deshaun and the way he plays,” Monken said.
Roles are not predetermined, and the depth chart will evolve based on performance, which is what the former Ravens offensive coordinator wants the players, fans, and media to know. He also downplayed the importance of early depth chart discussions, stressing that the order will shift as camp progresses.
That approach could ultimately benefit Watson. Rather than carrying the weight of being the unquestioned starter, he enters a system where he can focus on rebuilding his game piece by piece. Monken believes the presence of legitimate competition will ensure accountability.
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For Cleveland, the equation is straightforward. If Watson can regain confidence and adapt to Monken’s structure, the Browns may yet salvage a situation that once looked lost. If not, they’re positioned with alternatives and a coaching staff that’s open to changing things up.
