Deshaun Watson’s Hidden Role in a Chaotic Browns Rebuild
The Cleveland Browns are navigating a tumultuous season, and amid the uncertainty, quarterback Deshaun Watson is stepping into an unexpected role. While he continues to recover from a serious Achilles injury, Watson is not just sidelined; he is actively mentoring rookie quarterbacks on the team, providing valuable insights during a time of transition.
Watson’s Recovery and Team Dynamics
Currently, Watson is rehabilitating from two ruptured Achilles tendons, and although social media clips hint at his improving condition, the Browns have yet to activate him or open his practice window. This injury-plagued period has been a significant setback for a player who was once regarded as a franchise cornerstone. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam had previously labeled the trade for Watson as a “big swing and miss,” yet offensive coordinator Tommy Rees sheds light on Watson’s ongoing contributions to the team.
At one point during the preseason, the Browns had five quarterbacks on their roster. With veteran Joe Flacco starting the season but later benched, the quarterback room has transitioned to a youthful core. Third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel is now the starter, with fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders stepping in as the third-string option after Flacco’s trade to the Cincinnati Bengals.
A Mentor Behind the Scenes
Despite his own challenges, Watson’s presence has been a stabilizing force for Gabriel and Sanders. Rees noted that Watson has been instrumental in helping the two rookies navigate their roles. “He goes out of his way to help him talk through some coverages, talk through things like that,” Rees explained, emphasizing the positive rapport between Watson and Gabriel.
This mentorship could prove crucial as the Browns assess their quarterbacks moving forward. Gabriel has shown promise, maintaining a clean slate with no interceptions through his initial three starts. The coaching staff is eager to see how he develops, and there is anticipation surrounding Sanders’ potential impact as well.
Looking Ahead in a Rebuilding Year
As Watson nears eligibility for a return, the decision of whether to reintegrate him into the lineup remains uncertain. Head coach Kevin Stefanski is closely monitoring Gabriel’s progress and has plans to evaluate Sanders during the regular season. This situation complicates Watson’s chances of returning to the field, especially given the ongoing rebuild that Cleveland is embracing.
The Browns’ investment in Watson has been costly—three first-round picks were traded to acquire him from the Houston Texans in 2022. However, the results have been disappointing, with Watson playing only 19 games due to injuries and suspensions. His performance has often fallen short of the MVP-caliber play that warranted such a hefty price.
Cleveland’s roster has suffered as a result, lacking the depth and talent needed to compete effectively. General manager Andrew Berry’s attempts to build a robust offensive line and wide receiver corps have not materialized, placing undue pressure on Watson, who was expected to elevate the offense.
Future Uncertain for Watson and the Browns
As the Browns look to the future, it may be in their best interest to part ways with Watson next offseason. His 2026 salary remains fully guaranteed, but the team appears to be moving forward without him as a central figure in their plans. With ten games left in the season, the Browns are focused on rebuilding and reestablishing their identity, and Watson’s role as a mentor may be one of the few bright spots in an otherwise challenging year.
