Browns Navigate Quarterback Transition as Watson Returns to Practice
In a pivotal moment for the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation, Deshaun Watson has returned to the practice field for the first time since tearing his Achilles tendon in October 2024 and suffering a subsequent tear in January. This comes just as rookie Shedeur Sanders has begun establishing himself as the team’s signal-caller, having started two games after stepping in for an injured Dillon Gabriel. Coach Kevin Stefanski expressed optimism about Watson’s return to individual drills, noting, “He’s been working so hard, rehabbing. So, finally, to get out there on the practice field with his teammates… is really great for him.” The Browns have opened Watson’s 21-day practice window, during which they’ll evaluate his readiness to potentially return to game action.
The timing creates an interesting dynamic for the Browns, who find themselves at a crossroads with their quarterback position. Watson, who was acquired in a blockbuster trade that cost the team five draft picks (including three first-rounders) and signed to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, has posted a mediocre 9-10 record as Cleveland’s starter. His performance has included 19 touchdowns against 12 interceptions with an underwhelming 80.7 passer rating. If Watson isn’t activated from injured reserve during the 21-day window, he’ll miss the remainder of the season, further complicating the team’s plans at the position.
The Browns’ quarterback situation reflects broader challenges facing the organization’s leadership. Co-owner Jimmy Haslam acknowledged in March that the Watson acquisition was a “big swing and miss,” adding that the team needs to “dig ourselves out of that hole.” This admission came before the franchise twice reworked Watson’s contract during the offseason in attempts to create financial flexibility. The massive guaranteed deal is widely considered one of the worst contracts in NFL history, creating significant salary cap constraints that have limited the team’s ability to build a competitive roster around Watson during his injury-plagued tenure.
Meanwhile, Sanders has injected new energy into the Browns’ offense since taking over. The rookie quarterback initially entered a Week 11 game after Gabriel suffered a concussion, then earned his first start the following week while Gabriel remained in concussion protocol. After winning his debut start, Sanders maintained his grip on the starting role even after Gabriel was medically cleared to return to action. This development suggests the coaching staff has seen enough promising signs from Sanders to believe he might represent a better path forward than immediately returning to Gabriel, who had been serving as the primary backup during Watson’s extended absence.
The quarterback situation in Cleveland exemplifies the high-stakes nature of NFL personnel decisions. Watson remains under contract through the 2026 season, representing a significant financial investment that the team can’t easily move on from despite his disappointing performance and availability issues. The emergence of Sanders presents both an opportunity and a dilemma: while his early success offers hope for the future, it potentially creates an awkward situation regarding Watson’s role once fully healthy. The Browns must carefully navigate this transition period, balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term planning for the position.
As the Browns continue their season, all eyes will be on how the organization manages this quarterback situation. Will Watson reclaim his starting role upon being activated, justifying the massive investment the team made in him? Or will Sanders continue to develop and potentially establish himself as the franchise’s quarterback of the future? These questions loom large for a Cleveland organization that has long struggled to find stability at the sport’s most important position. The coming weeks will reveal much about the direction of the franchise and whether they can finally establish the quarterback consistency that has eluded them for decades.
