Essentials Inside The Story
- Cleveland Browns reopen Deshaun Watson’s practice window for a major role in QB room
- Rookie QBs Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel under extended evaluation
- Head coach Kevin Stefanski and Shedeur Sanders on what's its like to having a veteran QB back
The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room might get a shake-up soon. This Wednesday, the Browns finally opened the practice window for Deshaun Watson. And while Watson is not expected to play a minute this season, the veteran will play a major role in Shedeur Sanders’ rookie year.
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According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Watson may be back on the active roster next season, but for this season, they expect the veteran QB to guide both rookies, Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, with his presence.
There are varied reasons as to why the Browns expect Deshaun Watson back next season, with money being a part of it. The Browns also believe Watson has added to their quarterback room and provided a veteran presence that has had value for the rookie quarterbacks.
Though quarterback Deshaun Watson is unlikely to play this season, the Cleveland Browns are planning to have him on their roster next season, league sources told ESPN. espn.com/nfl/story/_/id…
“Their plan still is to get an extended look at both of their rookie quarterbacks, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel,” Schefter said in his report.
Gabriel played in the first half of the season but wasn’t able to make a strong impact, finishing with 937 yards and 7 touchdowns. This was before he went down with a concussion. In his absence, Sanders was handed the reins and is now set to make his third start of his career in a game against the Tennessee Titans.
As a starter, the rookie QB holds a 1-1 record. He has racked up 405 yards and 2 touchdowns this season. While the Browns continue to evaluate the quarterback situation with their rookies, Watson’s presence can help guide them.
Moreover, assessing the QB position is also crucial for Cleveland as it looks ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft. If the team loses a few more games, they could be in a position to consider another QB. Now, coming back to Watson, this rookie situation isn’t the only reason the Browns want him back on the roster.
Earlier in March, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam was blunt about his stance on Watson.
“We took a big swing and miss with Deshaun,” he said.
Even now, head coach Kevin Stefanski was hesitant when asked about whether Watson will play this season.
“Really not my focus, not his focus right this minute,” he said. “His focus is putting a helmet on again for the first time, shoulder pads, throwing a football – that’s where the focus is.”
So what changed their mind? Money played a huge role in it. The Browns couldn’t move on from the quarterback because releasing him before June 1 would’ve triggered a dead cap charge of $131,163,378. It appears the team hopes to fix things on the financial side. And having Watson serve as a mentor for the rookies is also part of the plan.
Stefanski has also shared a few words about Watson and his role on the team.
How is Deshaun Watson’s relationship with the rookie QBs?
The Browns’ head coach believes it’s a brilliant move to have Deshaun Watson back on the practice field. When asked about Watson’s relationship with rookies, he explained that they are getting along well. He also shared that the veteran has stayed fully engaged throughout his recovery, sitting in on team meetings.
“He’s been so supportive in the meeting room, on the game field with the players,” he said. “I know he’s excited to get back out there practicing with his teammates. I think having a guy like Deshaun in there, who’s seen so much and has been through different situations and can provide great counsel to young quarterbacks, I just think that’s invaluable.”
Apart from Stefanski, Shedeur Sanders also reacted to Watson’s recovery.
“I feel like it’s great he’s (Watson) going out to practice,” Sanders said. “He’s been working hard to recover.”
Both Sanders and Gabriel previously had the chance to work with a veteran QB like Joe Flacco, and now they’ll get to learn from Watson as well. With Flacco gone, Watson is the most experienced quarterback on the team. For the young quarterbacks or the potential QB addition in the next season, this could be an opportunity to grow and develop.