Key facts
- Deshaun Watson is focused on winning the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback job.
- Watson stated he cannot control public perception and is concentrating on his personal and professional conduct.
- Watson has not played in nearly two years due to a torn Achilles tendon.
- He is competing with Shedeur Sanders for the starting role.
- Watson expressed comfort with Coach Todd Monken's offensive system, which he compares to his time with the Houston Texans.
- Watson aims to play all 17 games this season, having previously missed time due to suspension and injury.
Deshaun Watson is focusing on reclaiming the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback position, acknowledging he cannot control public perception of him or his past performance. Watson, who has been sidelined for nearly two years due to a torn Achilles tendon, expressed his commitment to showcasing his best self as a player and teammate.
If Watson is named the starter for the Browns' season opener on September 13, it will mark 693 days since his last game appearance in Week 7 of the 2024 season. He suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon then, followed by a re-injury two months later that ruled him out for the 2025 season. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam previously admitted the team made a significant miscalculation in acquiring Watson via a trade and a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract.
Despite these challenges, Watson maintains a positive relationship with the Haslam family and believes he will get another opportunity. He is currently in a close competition with Shedeur Sanders for the starting role, with Coach Todd Monken yet to name a definitive starter. Watson finds Monken's offensive system, which places significant responsibility on the quarterback, to be similar to his experience with the Houston Texans.
Sanders, however, downplayed the notion of a direct competition, emphasizing his focus on personal development and comfort within the offense. Watson also shared that he has become more introverted and focused on essential matters, attributing this shift to his wife, Jilly Anais. His primary objective for the upcoming season is to play all 17 games, having previously faced suspensions and injuries that limited his playing time.