Browns QB Deshaun Watson Lands Head-Turning 2026 Prediction

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation heading into the 2026 season continues to spark debate among fans and analysts alike.

While many assume the team must pursue a fresh starter through free agency or the draft, Cleveland already possesses several viable options within its current roster. The ultimate decision on how to deploy them will fall to new head coach Todd Monken, whose preferences could shape the direction of the offense.

One key piece of the puzzle is Shedeur Sanders, the young quarterback who demonstrated noticeable progress as the 2025 campaign wound down. After initially being passed over in favor of Dillon Gabriel for the starting role, Sanders stepped in and showed improvement in his performance. This late-season development has positioned him as a serious contender for the primary spot under center.

Dillon Gabriel, who took over as the starter earlier in the previous year, represents another internal candidate. His time leading the offense provided valuable experience, though the team’s overall struggles limited the impact he could make. Gabriel remains part of the mix, potentially serving in a backup capacity or competing for snaps depending on preseason evaluations.

Then there is Deshaun Watson, the veteran signal-caller whose tenure in Cleveland has been anything but smooth. Once regarded as an elite talent in the league, Watson’s time with the Browns has been marred by a lengthy suspension and multiple season-ending injuries, including a significant Achilles issue that sidelined him throughout much of 2025.

Despite these setbacks, his presence on the roster is virtually guaranteed due to the structure of his massive contract, which makes releasing him financially impractical.

Insider Tony Grossi has offered a bold take that has caught attention across the NFL community.

“I kind of think that’s fact. Even if he’s not the immediate starter. I think Watson will start more than one game,” Grossi said.

This prediction suggests Watson could see meaningful action on the field next season, even if he doesn’t begin the year as the Week 1 starter.

Grossi clarified that his comment about “more than one game” might translate to as few as two starts, leaving room for another quarterback—likely Sanders—to handle the bulk of the workload, perhaps up to 15 contests. Such a scenario isn’t unprecedented in the NFL, where it’s uncommon for any quarterback to appear in every single game without interruption.

For the Browns specifically, the team has only witnessed full-season starts from a quarterback twice since 2001, both instances involving Baker Mayfield in 2019 and 2020.

The notion that Watson could reclaim starting duties feels surprising to many observers, given the franchise’s rocky history with him. Owner Jimmy Haslam has openly reflected on the 2022 trade that acquired Watson from the Houston Texans, describing it as a “big swing and miss.”

Following delays in his recovery from the 2024 Achilles injury—compounded by a rehab setback—there was widespread speculation that Watson’s days in a Browns uniform might be over for good.

Watson did rejoin the team toward the end of the most recent season and displayed encouraging signs during his limited work. However, he was never elevated to the active roster or given game action. His recovery appears to be progressing well now, with expectations that he will be fully healthy and capable of competing when offseason programs begin.

The broader quarterback market this offseason presents limited attractive alternatives for Cleveland. Free agency lacks standout options, and the 2026 NFL Draft doesn’t appear poised to deliver a transformative prospect early enough to shift the team’s immediate plans dramatically. As a result, the Browns may find themselves leaning heavily on the players already in house, making the best of an imperfect but familiar group.

If Watson can recapture even a fraction of his previous Pro Bowl-level play, the situation might unexpectedly turn positive for the franchise. A successful resurgence from him could provide stability and production at a position that has plagued the team for years.

Ultimately, the coming months of competition under Monken’s guidance will determine whether this internal approach proves sufficient or if further changes become necessary as the season approaches.