One NFL insider believes the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room could become even more interesting. Find out what she said about Deshaun Watson. Historically, NFL teams carry just two quarterbacks, the starter, who receives the lion’s share of snaps in practice.
The backup gets fewer snaps but must keep a keen eye on the game with a clipboard, ready to step in immediately. Now, the dynamics of the position group have changed. How does that translate to the Browns?
NFL Insider Asserts the Possibility of Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson’s Possible Return
Watson threw his last pass on October 20 of last year against the Cincinnati Bengals. He fell to the turf, untouched. The test revealed a tear in his Achilles tendon, ending his season.
In January, he re-tore the same tendon, presumably canceling this season. For all of his medical issues and rehabilitation, according to veteran journalist Mary Kay Cabot from cleveland.com, Watson’s return would not surprise her. Cabot appeared on the “Ken Carman Show” to discuss the matter.
“This is a strange quarterback year; nothing would shock me. We all have to stay tuned for that. Will they ever allow him to step on the field for them? I don’t know. But he is certainly determined. And the Browns, every time they talk about Deshaun Watson these days, it’s in glowing terms about what he’s doing inside that building, how he is mentoring the younger guys, his attitude, and his work ethic. He’s in good standing with the club right now.”
📞”Nothing would shock me… They haven’t put him on the shelf for the entire season. I believe they are hoping it doesn’t get to that point but stranger things have happened.”
🏈 @MaryKayCabot w/ @KenCarmanShow on the possibility of Deshaun Watson playing this season. pic.twitter.com/W71nmtuRM0
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) August 14, 2025
Watson’s team-first behavior drew praise from management, but there could be a deeper reason why the front office hesitates to cut ties. According to Spotrac, the Browns will pay Watson $92 million.
Remember, he signed a five-year deal that was completely guaranteed. The front office cannot avoid paying him; somehow, he will get his money. On top of that, the dead money attached to his contract would be $167.1 million for just this season. Looking deeper into his deal, the team can void his deal in 2027, making him a free agent. Cleveland would finally be able to turn the page.
Currently, the team employs four other quarterbacks. None possesses the same financial attachment to the team that Watson possesses, but they are relatively healthy. With four roster options, possibly the practice squad, and Watson’s financial arrangement, how does this shift the dynamic for the Browns?
While he recovers, the team may need to find out what they have in the positional grouping. The only way to honestly assess talent is by watching them in game situations. Shedeur Sanders excelled against the Carolina Panthers in the team’s first preseason game. Kenny Pickett and rookie Dillon Gabriel will look to impress coaches when they take their snaps. Will this offset Watson’s potential of never suiting up for the Browns again?
