Between the character of his Cleveland tenure and the status of his contract, 2026 has long been viewed as Deshaun Watson‘s final Browns season. He would welcome a second contract with the team, though, and the door could possibly be open to such an arrangement.
“I feel every part is on the table,” general manager Andrew Berry during an appearance on 92.3 The Fan (video link). “I feel it will be silly to enter a season saying, ‘Something absolutely can or cannot occur.’ And I feel particularly on the quarterback position, we’ve seen it with guys whether it’s Sam Darnold, or Daniel Jones, or Geno Smith, even Baker [Mayfield] after he left us and Carolina.
“So I feel you’ve gotten to be open-minded and versatile. But I wouldn’t rule out anything. We’re on the lookout for guys who can perform and who can lead.”
Watson, 30, has one 12 months remaining on the fully guaranteed, $230MM contract he signed upon arrival following the blockbuster trade which sent him to Cleveland. That swap saw the Browns part with three first-round picks along with the team’s massive financial commitment. Attributable to the suspension which opened his Cleveland tenure and injuries including two Achilles tears, nevertheless, Watson has totaled only 19 starts over the past 4 years.
The three-time Pro Bowler has not been capable of regain his previous form when on the sphere during that span. Many have subsequently anticipated a post-June 1 release happening next spring, something which might allow the Browns to opened up a hefty dead cap charge across two seasons. An alternative choice to that plan would in fact be a brand new contract being signed altogether.
The performance of Shedeur Sanders through training camp and beyond in 2026 will probably be critical in shaping the choice from Berry and Co. The 2024 fifth-rounder has been participating in a contest with Watson for the QB1 gig. Head coach Todd Monken initially desired to have clarity atop the depth chart by the tip of this week’s minicamp, however the competition will proceed through the summer. Sanders doing enough to earn a lengthy first-team opportunity could end in Cleveland parting ways with Watson next 12 months.
Alternatively, Watson winning and retaining the starting spot in 2026 could pave the best way for at the least the exploration of a brand new Browns deal. A agreement on that front would little question cover a shorter term than his current pact and are available at a lower cost, but it surely would give Cleveland the chance to generate value (as much as a certain extent) from an investment which has actually not gone in line with plan.