Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns
Quarterback #4
FANTASY NEWS STATS INJURY

Deshaun Watson News RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Functions at a "High Level" in Preseason Opener

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken was pleased with quarterback Deshaun Watson's performance in the team's preseason opener on Saturday in the 34-10 loss to the Chicago Bears, saying that he functioned at a "high level," per Zac Jackson of The Athletic. Monken said the QB competition between Watson and second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders will continue for at least another week, and Jackson writes that "it's hard to imagine much changed Saturday in what was a predictably uneven first performance in a game setting for both QBs." The 30-year-old Watson went 11-for-15 passing for 126 yards, adding four rushing yards on three carries while losing a fumble. It was Watson's first game action since October of 2024 due to a torn right Achilles tendon. Almost all of Watson's yardage on Saturday came on short throws, and his most impressive work came while converting a first-and-25 with three straight completions. Sanders finished his outing going 6-for-11 passing for 79 yards and an interception. If Watson is solid in joint practices with the Buffalo Bills this week and in the second preseason game, he could be named the starter by Monken.

Aug 16, 2026 7:30 AM EST

Deshaun Watson Sharp in Season Debut

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson looked sharp under center during Saturday's preseason matchup against the Chicago Bears. The veteran quarterback got the first chance to start and made the most of his opportunity. Watson completed 11-of-15 passing attempts for 126 yards during the 34-10 defeat. He played the entire first half and led his team to its only two scoring drives of the game. Watson did lose a fumble on a sack in Chicago territory, but it was mostly a solid day for Watson. Both Watson and Shedeur Sanders should continue to compete for the starting gig throughout the preseason. Watson outplayed Sanders in the first preseason game, but there are still two more to go

Aug 15, 2026 6:16 PM EST

Deshaun Watson to Start Browns' First Preseason Game

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken informed the QBs on Wednesday afternoon that quarterback Deshaun Watson will start the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears on Saturday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Monken plans to start Shedeur Sanders in the team's second preseason game at home against the Buffalo Bills next Saturday. While Watson starting the team's first preseason game could mean he's in the lead over Sanders in Cleveland's QB competition this summer, it also might mean absolutely nothing. Watson and Sanders have been splitting first-team work during training camp, with no clear leader having emerged yet. How the two signal-callers perform in preseason action could be the deciding factor for who will start in Week 1 of the regular season in September. Regardless of who wins the competition for the Browns' starting QB job, they should be avoided in all single-QB formats and considered a low-end QB2 with limited upside and a short leash in two-QB superflex formats.

Aug 12, 2026 2:39 PM EST

Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders Listed With "OR" on Depth Chart

The Cleveland Browns still haven't picked a starting quarterback. According to Zac Jackson, the team's unofficial depth chart will list Deshaun Watson "OR" Shedeur Sanders at the top of the position when it is released Tuesday. Sanders took all of the first-team reps Monday, but Cleveland has bounced those opportunities between the two quarterbacks throughout training camp. Sanders started the final seven games of his rookie season, finishing the year with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Watson is trying to win the job after missing all of 2025 while recovering from a re-ruptured right Achilles. He returned for the full offseason program and has been competing throughout camp. The "OR" designation doesn't tell us who will ultimately start Week 1, but it makes one thing pretty clear: this race is still open. Until the Browns settle it, neither quarterback carries enough job security to be trusted in standard one-quarterback fantasy leagues.

Aug 11, 2026 11:18 AM EST

Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders to Continue Alternating First-Team Practice Reps

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken said on Wednesday that quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders will continue to alternate first-team reps in training camp practices until he names a starter, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Monken said who leads the No. 1 offense in the joint practice against the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 20 will follow the natural rotation, which means it would likely be Watson. There has been no clear leader in this QB competition, although Sanders reportedly had his best day of camp on Tuesday. Watson, meanwhile, struggled early, but he reportedly had his best day of camp on Wednesday. We should start to see some separation in the competition once the team's preseason slate kicks off on Aug. 15 against the Chicago Bears. Neither QB is attractive in single-QB fantasy formats, and whoever wins the starting job entering the 2026 regular season will be on a short leash with minimal fantasy upside.

Aug 5, 2026 11:53 AM EST

Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson to Alternate Preseason Starts

Cleveland Browns quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson have alternated first-team reps through the install period of training camp, and head coach Todd Monken intends to continue that approach into the preseason. Monken told NFL reporter Cameron Wolfe, "[I'm] going to start one quarterback the first preseason game, the other one will start the second one, and then most likely, the leader of the competition's going to start the third," also saying, "The next week is going to decide who gets each of those games." Monken has stressed that he wants one of his quarterbacks to make it clear that they deserve the starting job, noting that despite his growth over the past four months, Sanders still has room to improve, while Watson needs to cut down on the turnovers after throwing six interceptions through this stage of training camp. The Browns play their first preseason game against the Bears on August 15, and who gets that start could be a telling indication of who could be the team's Week 1 starter.

Aug 5, 2026 6:52 AM EST

Deshaun Watson Throws Six Interceptions in Four Practices

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) has thrown six interceptions through the first four practices of training camp, according to ESPN. The rough start comes as Watson tries to win the starting job after he and Shedeur Sanders handled most of the first-team work during the offseason. Saturday brought more trouble, including a short pass that was tipped before being returned for a touchdown and another throw intercepted by safety Donovan McMillon. Watson has not played in a regular-season game since tearing his right Achilles in October 2024. He completed 63.4% of his passes for 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions across seven starts that season. Cleveland has not named a starter, and Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green are also part of the competition. Watson still has time to settle into the new offense, but six interceptions in four practices is a concerning start. He remains only a speculative Superflex option unless he wins the job and shows a significant improvement during the preseason.

Aug 2, 2026 11:18 AM EST

Deshaun Watson Takes All First-Team Reps on Friday

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson took all of the first-team reps in practice on Friday on Day 3 of training camp, according to ESPN Cleveland. Watson went 18-for-27 passing on the day with no touchdowns and an interception. He also took all the first-team reps on the first day of training camp practice on Wednesday, with second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders getting the first-team looks on Thursday. For now, head coach Todd Monken plans to alternate first-team reps every day for Watson and Sanders as they compete for the QB1 job entering the start of the 2026 regular season in September. Watson struggled on Wednesday, at one point throwing back-to-back interceptions in 11-on-11 team drills. There's no clear leader in the competition just yet, but we should get a clearer picture once the pads go on to start next week. Whoever wins the Browns' starting QB gig will probably be on a very short leash and won't be a very exciting QB2 option in superflex fantasy leagues. Monken isn't expected to name a starter until much later in camp.

Jul 31, 2026 2:08 PM EST

Deshaun Watson Takes All the First-Team Reps on Wednesday

The Cleveland Browns opened training camp on Wednesday, and it was quarterback Deshaun Watson who took all the first-team reps, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Fantasy managers shouldn't read too much into it, though, as head coach Todd Monken said he will continue to split first-team QB reps in practice between Watson and second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders. Watson struggled on Day 1, throwing interceptions on back-to-back throws in 11-on-11 drills. Monken didn't disclose a timetable for naming a starting QB this summer, but he did say he plans to play his starters in the preseason. It will likely be Sanders' turn with the first-team offense on Thursday. There were conflicting reports this offseason speculating on which way Monken might be leaning for the starting QB role, but the bottom line is both Watson's and Sanders' play will determine the winner in camp and the preseason. Whoever wins the starting gig will likely be on a short leash and will be no more than a volatile, low-end QB2 for fantasy managers in two-QB superflex leagues.

Jul 29, 2026 2:27 PM EST

Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders to Continue Splitting First-Team Reps

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken said on Wednesday that quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders will continue to split first-team reps early on in training camp, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Monken also mentioned that there is no definitive timeline for when he wants to name the team's starting QB. We might not know for a while still which way Monken is leaning in the team's QB battle. Watson, 30, has the experience edge, but he has also played in just 19 games since joining the Browns on a lucrative deal, and he didn't play at all in 2025 after needing multiple surgeries to fix a torn Achilles tendon suffered in 2024. Sanders, meanwhile, has the momentum and has impressed the coaching staff since he fell to the fifth round in the 2025 NFL draft. The 24-year-old showed plenty of growing pains as a rookie with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in eight games (seven starts). Whoever wins the Browns' QB job to begin the regular season will be on a short leash and will be nothing more than a low-end QB2 target in two-QB superflex fantasy leagues.

Jul 29, 2026 9:14 AM EST

Deshaun Watson Is a Short-Term Dynasty Hold

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) is back in the conversation, which is more than dynasty managers could say a year ago. He missed all of 2025 after re-rupturing his Achilles and undergoing another surgery, then returned this spring to share first-team work with Shedeur Sanders. The Browns have not named a starter and will carry the battle into camp. Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green are still in the room, too. Watson's last game action came in 2024, when he threw for 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions in seven starts. He added 148 yards and a score on the ground, but 33 sacks told the other side of the story. RotoBaller ranks him QB30 in dynasty. That keeps Watson relevant in deeper Superflex leagues, though almost all of the appeal is tied to this season. He is 30, has not completed a full schedule since 2020, and is entering the final year of his contract. Contenders can hold through the competition. Rebuilders should be willing to move him if the starting job creates a market.

Jul 26, 2026 10:11 AM EST

Is Deshaun Watson Worth Drafting in 2026 Superflex Leagues?

When NFL teams gather for training camps at the end of the month, one of the league's most intriguing battles will be for the starting quarterback job in Cleveland. Browns veteran Deshaun Watson was thought to have an early edge in the pass-heavy setting of OTAs and minicamp, though reports from some of the later sessions seemed to indicate that second-year pro Shedeur Sanders had significantly narrowed the gap. A former first-round pick of the Houston Texans, Watson was once viewed as a rising star in the league, but his career has been derailed by character issues and a string of serious injuries, most recently missing the entirety of the 2025 season after rupturing his Achilles tendon for the second time. He has not thrown for more than 1,150 yards since 2020, and even if he wins the starting job outright, existing health concerns would only be compounded by the rigors of a full 17-game season. The Browns have done an admirable job of building around the quarterback position, spending three top-40 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft on offensive line and wide receiver after hitting on rookie tight end and running back Harold Fannin Jr. and Quinshon Judkins in 2025, and Watson could gain an advantage by what he's able to provide with his legs. While not an exciting pick, the 10th-year veteran is practically free at the end of 2026 drafts, currently coming off the board as the QB32, but if he's able to win the job and stay healthy, he could add surprising value in Todd Monken's offense and is a worthwhile dart-throw as a third quarterback in superflex leagues.

Jul 14, 2026 5:48 AM EST

Deshaun Watson Lacking Consistency During Offseason Workouts

The Athletic's Zac Jackson writes that Cleveland Browns new head coach Todd Monken would have liked to have a starter already named going into training camp in late July, but he "wants and needs to see more" from both quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders this summer. Ultimately, Monken said he will play "whoever gives us the best chance to score, and I won't know that until we play." He wants to see more "consistency and confidence" from both Watson and Sanders in training camp than what he saw this spring. Jackson adds that it's safe to say that Watson "looked like the same player in his return from a year and a half away that he was before his two Achilles tendon injuries." Watson is healthy and threw downfield occasionally with confidence, but he "lacked consistency and too often threw into traffic." Jackson doesn't think there is much reason to want Watson to play unless he's "clearly their best option." The 30-year-old Watson has been a Pro Bowler three times (all before he came to Cleveland), but it appears he might have to thoroughly outplay Sanders to win the starting gig going into Week 1. Either way, this QB situation is one to ignore for fantasy managers, if at all possible. Whoever wins the starting job this summer probably will have a very short leash to begin the regular season.

Jun 18, 2026 11:24 AM EST

"Everything is on the Table" for Deshaun Watson This Year

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said on 92.3 The Fan that "everything is on the table" with regards to quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) this year. "Honestly, the public discourse doesn't really have a factor in terms of how we think about putting together the team or Todd in terms of putting together the best lineup...that really doesn't play a factor into it," Berry said when asked how past comments about the Watson trade play into the future. Watson, who missed all of last season with a twice-torn Achilles tendon, is competing with second-year QB Shedeur Sanders for the starting job in new head coach Todd Monken's offense. Last spring, owner Jimmy Haslam said that the trade for Watson was "a big swing and a miss." The Browns have acknowledged that the trade for the 30-year-old was a disaster after they signed him to a five-year, $230 million deal in March of 2022. Watson has played in just 19 games for the team since he joined them in 2022, but all of that is history now, and Berry isn't ruling anything out, including a potential new deal for the QB as he heads into his final year under contract with the organization. For fantasy purposes, Watson will be a low-end QB2 target in superflex leagues if he wins the job over Sanders. He hasn't played a full season since 2020 with the Houston Texans, and he's completed 61% of his passes for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in his 19 games with Cleveland.

Jun 12, 2026 9:47 AM EST

Is Deshaun Watson Still a Usable Dynasty Asset?

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has not reached 1,200 passing yards or double-digit touchdowns in any season since 2020, and yet with the starting job in Todd Monken's new-look offense purportedly up for grabs, there may be life left in both his NFL and fantasy careers. Between Watson and Shedeur Sanders, whoever wins the starting quarterback role will find themselves somewhat insulated by the team's recent and heavy investments into the offensive infrastructure. After seeming to hit big on tight end Harold Fannin Jr. and running back Quinshon Judkins in the 2025 Draft, Cleveland spent four 2026 Day 1 or 2 picks on the offensive side of the ball and eight in total. When at his best, Watson possessed a rushing element absent from Sanders' game, and with Monken having spent the last three seasons with Lamar Jackson in Baltimore, that could become a factor in his decision to name a starter. Still stuck at RotoBaller's dynasty WR30 with a realistic chance of reclaiming the starting job, the 30-year-old Watson is a low-cost addition who could provide usable depth to a contending superflex squad.

Jun 11, 2026 6:26 AM EST

Deshaun Watson "Looks Great," Leading QB Battle After First Minicamp?

Cleveland Browns executive vice president JW Johnson said on ESPN that quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) "looks great by the way, he's done a great job, he looks healthy, he's in a great head space." The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mark Kay Cabot writes that Watson emerged from the team's voluntary minicamp last week with an edge over second-year QB Shedeur Sanders in the two-man QB competition this offseason. According to sources, Watson has the "inside track" to be named the team's QB1. Head coach Todd Monken is hoping to name his starter under center by the end of the Browns' minicamp that runs from June 9-11. There's still a lot of time between then, but Sanders, a fifth-rounder in 2025, has "plenty of ground to make up." Sanders will really have to impress the Browns' coaching staff to make things more interesting going into training camp this summer. Watson missed the entire 2025 season after twice tearing his Achilles, but he's made great progress and appears to be fully healthy. The 30-year-old isn't expected to stay in Cleveland beyond the 2026 season, but he might give the Browns the best chance to win immediately, and he definitely has much more experience than Sanders. If he wins the QB1 job, Watson will be a low-end QB2 in fantasy as he looks to be the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year.

Apr 29, 2026 6:55 PM EST

Deshaun Watson Going First in Early Offseason Drills

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) has gone first in most of the early drills during the team's offseason program over second-year QB Shedeur Sanders, and Watson's arm and agility "look good," according to Mark Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Although Watson has not played since October of 2024 due to a twice-torn Achilles tendon, owner Jimmy Haslam said at the owners' meetings in late March that the 30-year-old signal-caller has a "great chance" to compete for the starting QB gig in 2026. Watson is heading into the final year of a five-year, $230 million deal that he signed with Cleveland in 2022. There have been conflicting reports about who is the favorite to win the starting QB job this summer between Watson and Sanders. Watson probably doesn't have a future with the Browns beyond the 2026 campaign, but if he's fully healthy, he has way more experience than Sanders and could give the team's offense a higher ceiling. At best in fantasy football, Watson will be a low-end QB2 with a lot to prove in superflex leagues if he wins the starting job.

Apr 21, 2026 6:09 PM EST

Deshaun Watson Medically Cleared for QB Competition

The Athletic's Zac Jackson said that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles), who hasn't played since October of 2024 due to a twice-torn right Achilles tendon, has "been medically cleared for competition." The Browns have put a positive spin on Watson's recovery all offseason and will give him the chance to compete with Shedeur Sanders for the starting job this summer. Sanders, a fifth-rounder last year, started the final seven games of last season and was predictably erratic, although he did show signs of being an explosive playmaker at QB. Jackson adds that Sanders "seems most likely to get the first crack at the starting job and operate as the No. 1" early in spring workouts. However, new head coach Todd Monken continues to stress that "nothing is settled." Watson has the better resume (a three-time Pro Bowler), but he's also 30 years old and is coming off a serious injury. And with Watson's contract expiring after 2026, "logic says" the Browns should prefer the younger option in Sanders. Whoever wins the job this summer will merely be a low-end QB2 option in superflex fantasy football leagues.

Apr 7, 2026 6:03 PM EST

Deshaun Watson has a "Great Chance" With Todd Monken as Head Coach

Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam told a group of local reporters at the league meetings this week that quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) has a "great chance" and a "fresh start" with new head coach Todd Monken, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. It comes a year after Haslam called the team's trade for Watson a "big swing-and-miss." The Browns gave the 30-year-old a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million deal back in March of 2022, and the three-time Pro Bowler has only played in 19 games for the team, completing just 61.2% of his passes for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. The Browns could add QB competition through the draft, but as of now, all signs are pointing to Watson having the edge over Shedeur Sanders for the starting job entering the 2026 season. Watson hasn't played in an NFL game since 2024 due to a torn Achilles that required multiple surgeries. His fantasy stock in dynasty leagues is on the rise, but nothing is set in stone, and the former first overall pick in 2017 out of Clemson has a lot to prove.

Mar 30, 2026 7:31 PM EST

Deshaun Watson in "Pole Position" to be Week 1 Starting QB?

The NFL Network's Mike Garafolo thinks that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) is in the "pole position" to be the team's starter for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season. Shedeur Sanders finished his rookie season as the Browns' starter under center, but he was very inconsistent down the stretch and has plenty to prove after dropping into the fifth round in the 2025 NFL draft. On the flip side, Watson, 30, missed all of last year while recovering from multiple surgeries to fix a torn Achilles tendon. Due to injury and suspension, the three-time Pro Bowler has played in just 19 games since he joined Cleveland in 2022. Watson will be competing with Sanders in training camp this summer, but there's still the possibility the Browns add another signal-caller in the draft or via trade/free agency. If Watson were to enter training camp fully healthy and win the starting job outright, he'd be a low-end QB2 with upside and plenty to prove to fantasy managers.

Mar 28, 2026 8:42 PM EST