The Cleveland Browns and Deshaun Watson have been back in the news this weekend.
For the third time in three years, the two sides opted to restructure his contract to create more cap flexibility for the Browns. This likely locks Watson onto the roster through the 2026 season, but it does not guarantee that he will ever see the field again.
For starters, Watson is still recovering from an achilles rupture suffered near the midway point in the season. Beyond that, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has reported that the Browns will bring in competition this summer. Here is what Rapoport had to say:
“Deshaun Watson is expected to be on the Browns next year and then likely the year after. Now, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if the Browns brought in quarterback competition.”
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero then added:
“That competition for Deshaun Watson could come in the form of a rookie quarterback, a veteran, or both. The Browns are going to be drafting in the top-10, quite possibly in the top-5. They have already been doing homework on this quarterback class in 2025. There are also some intriguing veteran names out there. One that is certainly to be in the conversation is Kirk Cousins.”
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay Kickoff with @MikeGarafolo and @TomPelissero: #Eagles QB Jalen Hurts is out this week and a win could change his status for Week 18; The #Browns and Deshaun Watson agreed on a restructured deal; Cleveland will bring in competition for Watson for 2025. pic.twitter.com/u5TsdFXDTE
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 28, 2024
Pelissero adds to what ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler had to say yesterday, that similar to Russell Wilson this season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cousins could be had for the veteran minimum as he is getting his guaranteed money from the Falcons still and as he looks to rebuild his image.
Just because Watson is going to be on the roster does not mean he will see the field again in Cleveland.
