NFL Offseason Check-In: Why Browns QB Deshaun Watson Might Bounce Back in 2026

If you are looking for a comeback story to watch in 2026, you might want to pay close attention to Deshaun Watson’s re-emergence as a starting quarterback with the Cleveland Browns under new coach Todd Monken. Early reports out of Cleveland assert that Watson has impressed at organized team activities and moved ahead of Shedeur Sanders as the club's QB1.

While it is far too late for Watson to live up to his historic contract — $230 million fully guaranteed over five years after the Browns traded six draft picks just to acquire him — he could line himself up for another starting job, or perhaps extend his stay in Cleveland, with a bounce-back campaign that reminds the football world of his spectacular talents as a playmaking wizard from the pocket.  

Now, I certainly understand why the doubters are rolling their eyes at that statement. It's been a while since we've seen the best of Watson, who's now 30 years old. But the recent reclamations of Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith should create some optimism that Watson can turn things around under a head coach who believes in his game and brings a system that will showcase his talent. 

Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during a voluntary veteran minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on April 21, 2026 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

Monken is coming off a three-year stint where he helped Lamar Jackson claim his second MVP award (and nearly a third), while completing 66% of his passes for 10,399 yards with 86 touchdowns and just 18 interceptions over 46 games. Jackson finished with a passer rating of at least 102.7 in each of those seasons and averaged a sparkling 8.4 yards per pass attempt during that