Deshaun Watson's Browns Future Updated in New NFL Rumors After Winning QB1 Job over Shedeur Sanders

After the Cleveland Browns tabbed Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders, it sounds like the team is hoping to make the most of the veteran's time on the roster.

NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that even if Sanders eventually takes over as the Browns' starter, Watson will likely stick around in Cleveland for the entire 2026 campaign.

"No matter how Deshaun Watson's latest shot to show he can play well and stay healthy goes, it's a good bet Cleveland will keep him on the roster all season," Pelissero stated. "The Browns believe Watson's experience is valuable even if/when Shedeur Sanders replaces him as the starter."

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The 2026 season is the final guaranteed year of the astronomical five-year, $230 million contract that Watson signed when the Browns acquired him from the Houston Texans in 2022. Pelissero noted that the 30-year-old's contract "is structured to end in a post–June 1 designated cut for cap purposes," but he's required to be on the roster in March for that to happen.

After coming off back-to-back Achilles surgeries that caused him to miss the entire 2025 season, Watson will need to do everything he can to prove he can still be a viable starting quarterback in the NFL. Despite being a three-time Pro Bowler, his career could be up in the air once the Browns part ways with him next year.

Watson and the Browns will start the 2026 season on Sunday in a road matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.