The Cleveland Browns made a surprising move this week that has reignited speculation about their most polarizing player. A trade that reshaped their quarterback depth chart could also be setting the stage for a comeback no one was certain would happen, and one many fans might not even want to see.
Is Trade Shake-Up Signaling Deshaun Watson’s Return?
The Browns sent backup quarterback Joe Flacco, who is ranked 35th in PFSN’s QBi rankings, to the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday in a rare intra-division trade, along with a sixth-round pick, in exchange for a fifth-rounder, according to PFSN’s Brandon Astreicher.
The #Bengals are trading for Joe Flacco, per me and @TomPelissero
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 7, 2025
Cincinnati had been struggling with Jak͏e Browning as Joe Burrow recovers from turf toe,͏ but the trade͏’͏s biggest impact could be felt back in Cleveland.
With ͏Dillon ͏Gabri͏el now the ͏starter,͏ rookie Sh͏edeur Sand͏ers has been elevated to the No͏.͏ 2 spot on ͏the͏ depth chart. This decision also revives a͏ question many Browns fans had hoped to forget: ͏Will Deshaun Wats͏on suit up this season?
Watson’s͏ path ͏back to the field ͏has been complicated. After tearing ͏his Achilles last October, he suffered͏ another Achilles injury in January, putting his 2025 season in ͏doubt. Nine months later, the former Pro ͏Bowler could be inching closer ͏to returning to practice ͏and possibly starting again before the season͏ ends.
Despite high expectations, Watson has͏ been ͏a disappointment since the Browns traded three first-round picks ͏and handed him a fully guaranteed $230 million contract in 2022͏. In 19 starts, he’s thrown just ͏19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, a far cry from the superstar the team believed it ͏was getting.
Browns Face Uncomfortable Decisions
While some believe the Flacco trade clears the way for Sanders to see playing time, the Browns’ coaching staff has hesitated to make that commitment.
As reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Browns are expected to evaluate Sanders at some point before the season concludes. He also noted that a potential Watson return remains on the table, largely due to the fact that his full 2026 salary is already guaranteed.
The Browns have yet to open a practice window for Watson as he continues to rehab. Still, their ͏1-4 start could push the team͏ to give him one more ͏chance to prove himself,͏ especially if they want to explore trading him later.
Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported that Sanders could become the backup but noted Bailey Zappe’s presence on the practice squad as another variable.
Owner Jimmy Haslam recently admitted that trading for Watson was a “big swing in a miss.” That regret looms as general manager Andrew Berry faces pressure amid another disappointing season. Starting Watson could enrage a frustrated fan base, but this front office has shown a willingness to make unpopular choices.
Cleveland’s gamble on Watson has yet to pay off. Now, with the roster in flux and the season slipping away, the Browns must decide whether to showcase their $230 million quarterback one more time or begin planning for a future without him.
