The Cleveland Browns have the most complicated quarterback situation in the NFL. Rookie Shedeur Sanders will start for the Browns in Week 14 ahead of Dillon Gabriel. But a surprising announcement suggests that QB Deshaun Watson could be back in the mix soon.
The Browns announced on social media on Wednesday that they have designated Watson for return to practice.
Cleveland now has 21 days to decide whether they will activate Watson or keep him on injured reserve for the rest of the season.
Watson has been recovering from an Achilles injury he suffered during Week 7 of the 2024 season. He had multiple surgeries to repair the damage from his injury.
The veteran quarterback has been a huge disappointment after Cleveland made a colossal trade to acquire him back in 2022.
Watson has struggled with injuries over the past four seasons. He's only suited up for Cleveland in 19 regular season games during that stretch. He has also failed to surpass 1,200 passing yards in any season with the Browns.
It will be fascinating to see if the Browns decide to activate Watson. And especially if they decide to play him at any point during the rest of the season.
What does the future hold for Browns, Deshaun Watson past the 2025 season?
The end of the Deshaun Watson era in Cleveland could be coming soon.
Watson is under contract through the 2026 season with the Browns. If the Browns cut Watson with a post-June 1st designation, they could be rid of him with minimal issues to their cap space. However, Watson would still make a massive amount of money because his contract is fully guaranteed.
Cleveland could pursue a rookie quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, especially considering they have multiple first-round picks. That makes it seem likely that Watson will be gone sooner rather than later.
But there is also a chance that Watson gets one more shot in Cleveland, be that during the final weeks of 2025 or the 2026 offseason program.
Either way, Browns fans should tune into this situation over the next few months for further updates.
Next up for the Browns is a Week 14 matchup against the Titans.
