Browns' stance on Deshaun Watson's future revealed by longtime team insider

Quarterback Deshaun Watson has been enjoying a strong season with the Cleveland Browns, and this team is 3-1 heading into its Week 5 game. They're also No. 1 in the AFC North, which is the exact opposite of where they were at the end of last season.

So, yes, Watson has been performing well, recording 855 passing yards, six touchdowns and a 69.6% completion rate. One would think there's no reason not to re-sign him when his contract is up at the end of the 2026-27 season. Of course, Watson hasn't really been able to play for almost his entire contract, so that alone could give the Browns pause in re-signing him. But a new report sheds light on the real issues behind the curtain.

Browns could consider re-signing Deshaun Watson

A new report published on Saturday by Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com says that Cleveland could consider keeping Watson beyond his current contract if the team's unexpected success keeps rolling ahead. If Watson keeps winning, the Browns will have to decide whether extending the deal would make sense, and that chance goes way up if they make the playoffs.

"Depending on how the season plays out, the Browns can either let Watson walk and sign with another team, sign him to short-term bridge QB contract, or sign him to another multi-year deal," she says in the report. "If he takes them to the playoffs this season, the Browns will certainly try to re-sign or extend him."

She adds, "When Browns GM Andrew Berry first traded for Watson, he hoped it would be a 10-year proposition, and he's still only 31."

It seems simple: Keep winning games, and he'll be back. But, as anyone in the NFL knows, nothing comes easy, so this season is an important one for both Watson and the Browns.

Deeper dive into Deshaun Watson's deal

Deshaun Watson's time in Cleveland has been a costly gamble, to say the least. The Browns gave up three first-round picks and also a fully guaranteed $230 million contract in 2022.

But, injuries and suspension have limited him to 23 starts, and he's missed 49 out of 68 possible games.

Now, in the last year of his deal, Watson's future gets even trickier. Still, the Browns are 3-1 in 2026, and he has led game-winning drives in three straight contests. If that success continues into the playoffs, Cleveland could consider a short extension, even after everything that's happened. Watson is thriving with new Browns head coach Todd Monken, and if he leads this team to the playoffs, it would be worth another gamble to keep him with the team.