Browns Pour Cold Water On Hype Surrounding Deshaun Watson

Oct 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images© Ken Blaze-Imagn Images&period;

Browns Pour Cold Water On Hype Surrounding Deshaun Watson

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated May 27, 2026 10:00 PM ET

Add us as a preferred source on Google

There's been a lot of offseason hype surrounding Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Watson, who was traded from Houston to Cleveland in a blockbuster move that has been dubbed one of the worst NFL trades in recent history, could be on the verge of a comeback. The Browns could be leaning toward starting Watson in 2026.

"With Watson healthy and entering the final year of his fully guaranteed $230 million contract, the veteran is getting what amounts to a clean slate on the field with new coach Todd Monken. Both sides are open-minded about what the future holds for what has been a disappointing four-year run with Watson in Cleveland," ESPN reported.

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam is high on him, too.

"Deshaun has a great chance, fresh start, offensive-minded coach, who has, in his past, been able to work with all kinds of different quarterbacks and make him successful," Haslam said earlier this year. "So Deshaun has a great chance to do that now."

Sep 7, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images© Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

But are the Browns actually leaning toward starting Watson in 2026?

The Browns' coaching staff is pouring some cold water on the idea that Watson has emerged as the clear favorite.

Browns shoot down idea Watson is frontrunner to start

The Browns will have several quarterbacks in play for 2026, including Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.

“I don’t know that we have somebody who’s ahead,” offensive coordinator Travis Switzer told reporters on Wednesday. “We’re pleased with both their progress, and all the guys are doing a nice job.”

The Brwons have been pleased with everyone so far.

“I think that both of those guys and really all of our guys are progressing very well,” Switzer said. “Very pleased in what we’ve seen in the growth. Like I said, a lot of is the familiarity with the system — getting a little more comfortable as we move on. But their progression, just in the short time that we’ve been so far is very encouraging, and we’re excited about that.”

It'll be fascinating to see who ends up winning the job.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: