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Cleveland Browns Myles Garrett Makes Head-Turning Comments
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Browns are heading into another offseason filled with questions, but none are bigger than the situation under center. With a roster that feels ready to win now and a quarterback room that feels anything but settled, the team is at a crossroads. Recently, superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett weighed in on the debate, offering a perspective that suggests the door isn’t closed on the Deshaun Watson era just yet.

In a conversation with Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons, Garrett made it clear that despite the noise and the disappointing returns so far, he expects Watson to have a genuine opportunity to reclaim his starting job.

Myles Garrett’s Take on the Cleveland Browns Quarterback Battle

The clip, which has been circulating on social media, shows Parsons asking Garrett point-blank about Watson’s future. Parsons brought up the elephant in the room—the massive $230 million guaranteed contract—and asked if that price tag guarantees Watson a shot.

Garrett took a moment before responding, a pause that spoke volumes about the complexity of the situation. “I feel like everybody on the roster is going to get a shot,” Garrett said. He acknowledged that Shedeur Sanders, who ended the previous season as the starter, would likely get the first opportunity. However, he quickly added, “Deshaun, whoever else is on the roster, they’re going to get a real look.”

For Browns fans, this is a significant statement. It confirms that the locker room isn’t ready to simply hand the keys over to a young quarterback without a fight. It also suggests that the team’s leadership still sees potential in Watson, provided he can stay healthy and return to form.

The Reality of the Deshaun Watson Contract

It is impossible to discuss Watson’s future without discussing his contract. When the Browns traded for him, they gave him a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal. That contract has become an anchor for the franchise. Watson has played in just 19 games over four seasons due to a combination of suspensions and injuries, including two Achilles surgeries.

The team is financially tied to Watson whether he plays or not. Cutting him would result in a salary cap hit that is virtually impossible to manage. Because of this, the Browns have every incentive to see if he can salvage his career. Garrett’s comments reflect the reality of the business: when you pay a player that kind of money, you have to exhaust every option before moving on.

A Crowded Quarterback Room

The situation is further complicated by the presence of Shedeur Sanders. The young quarterback had a rookie season that was described by many as “underwhelming,” though he battled through a tough situation with a lack of support. Garrett noted that Sanders “was the last guy on the field,” implying he is the incumbent starter heading into offseason workouts.

However, a “real look” for Watson means a true competition. New head coach Todd Monken is reportedly intrigued by the idea of seeing what Watson can do in his system. If Watson is healthy—a big “if” after multiple major surgeries—he still possesses the experience and raw talent that made him a three-time Pro Bowler in Houston.

Garrett Calls for Offensive Upgrades

While the quarterback conversation dominates the headlines, Garrett was quick to point out that the Browns have other issues to fix. He emphasized that the offense needs help across the board, regardless of who is throwing the passes.

“We gotta go offense, we gotta get it right,” Garrett said. He specifically mentioned the need for the offensive line to get healthy and for the team to add talent at the skill positions. “We need some healthy competition—push each other to get better.”

This is the mindset of a leader who is tired of watching elite defensive performances go to waste. Garrett knows that for the Browns to be true contenders, the offense has to pull its weight. Whether that happens with Sanders developing or Watson returning to form remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Myles Garrett expects the best player to play, and he believes Deshaun Watson will get his chance to prove he is still that guy.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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