The Cleveland Browns could turn to Deshaun Watson once again in 2026.
Watson has been injured the entire season, but he had his 21-day practice window opened this week. However, he will play this week, and there’s a chance he doesn’t play a snap for the Browns this season.
Yet, NFL insider Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports expects the Browns to keep Watson on their roster next season, leaving the door open for him to start for the team.
“Sources deem it unlikely Watson ultimately sees game action this season in what is the penultimate year of his record-setting contract,” Jones wrote. “And unless the Browns wish to take on a heavy dead cap hit of more than $80 million in 2026, it is quite possible, if not likely, Cleveland has him on the roster in 2026. It sets Cleveland up to potentially have another big quarterback room and subsequent preseason competition among four or so contenders in 2026.”
Even if Watson is back with the Browns in 2026, that doesn’t rule the team out from taking a quarterback. But Cleveland could use the 2026 season as a redshirt season for their first-round quarterback and let Watson start, so the rookie can learn from him.
Regardless, it appears Watson will be part of the Browns roster in 2026, largely due to his contract and the dead cap hit that comes with it.
“Trading Watson is not an option for the Browns as no team would deal for him. The only way the team could release him is after this season by designating him a post-June 1 cut, which would result in a dead cap hit of nearly $81 million for 2026 and $0 in cap savings,” Jones added.
Insider Reveals When Browns Could Activate Watson
Cleveland opened the practice window for Watson, which allows the team to activate the veteran to the 53-man roster.
Jones believes Watson could be activated for the final two games of the season, and perhaps could play depending on how Shedeur Sanders does.
“Watson is taking very limited practice reps this week as he continues to ramp up,” Jones added. “The Browns have until Christmas week to activate him to the 53-man roster, where he could be active for the final two games of the season.
“If he is not activated by Week 17, Watson will revert to season-ending injured reserve. By the time the Browns must make the decision, Watson will have fewer than 10 practices under his belt after being away from the field for more than a year.”
Watson last played on October 20, 2024.
Kevin Stefanski Discusses Watson Being Able to Practice
Watson was able to practice this week after the team activated his practice window.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was excited to see Watson back on the practice field.
“Okay, we’re going to activate Deshaun’s (Watson) practice window,” Stefanski said on Wednesday. “So, he’ll be out there today, which is outstanding for Deshaun. He’s has been working so hard, rehabbing. So finally to get out there on the practice field with his teammates to go through individual, I think this is really great for him. So excited for him.
“His focus, my focus is obviously getting him back to playing football, practicing football, which he hasn’t done in over a year. So, it’s a good next step for him.”
Watson will remain on injured reserve this week when the Browns host the Tennessee Titans.
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