Even if Deshaun Watson has a big bounceback season in 2026, a top NFL insider claims there is no chance the Cleveland Browns will try to re-sign him.
Frustratingly for Browns fans, it is very likely that Watson will be the team's starting quarterback this season. This thought sends a shiver down the spine of Cleveland supporters as the three-time Pro Bowl has been a complete disaster for the franchise.
After arriving in 2022 with a fully guaranteed contract worth $230 million, Watson has played only 19 games and missed all of the 2025 season recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon a year ago. Still, when he played, he looked like a shell of the player fans had seen with the Houston Texans. Posting a 9-10 record as a starter and 19 touchdowns to 12 interceptions.
Despite a horrific sexual assault scandal, the Browns took a huge risk by trading for Watson. The risk didn't pay off and actually backfired on him because his contract was a prop on his payroll and not tradable.
Browns unlikely to re-sign Deshaun Watson after bounce back season
Still, due to Cleveland's weak QB room, Watson has a strong chance to be new head coach Todd Monken's choice to be his Week 1 starter. While it's not expected, it's not impossible that Watson will have a great season in 2026. He is still only 30 years old, and the team's new system could help him recapture his Pro Bowl form.
So, does this mean the Browns could re-sign Deshaun Watson if he performs well next season? Not a chance, claims ESPN's Dan Graziano.
"Now, I want to be clear: I don't think there's a world in which Watson plays well enough this season to convince the Browns to re-sign him and move forward with him as the franchise QB of the future. He'll turn 31 in September. The contract has been completely disastrous in every possible way. And the team owner has publicly acknowledged it."
-Dan Graziano
Rest easy, Browns fans. 2026 may be a big year for Deshaun Watson, but it will be his last year in Cleveland.
