Who Should I Start? Deshaun Watson or Bailey Zappe

Monday, January 5, 12:55 PM

The Cleveland Browns currently expect quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) to be on the team next year, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. "I can never predict the future, but right now we do anticipate him being on the 2026 team," general manager Andrew Berry said about Watson's status. Watson tore his right Achilles tendon in October of 2024 and re-ruptured the tendon and required a second surgery on Jan. 9 of 2025. The 30-year-old veteran stayed on the Physically Unable to Perform list all season, but if he can return to full health this year, he's expected to compete for the starting QB job this summer with Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Watson will be entering the final year of his five-year, $230 million deal in 2026. He'll be a huge question mark going into next season, but despite the investment the Browns still have in him, he's not guaranteed to win the starting job.

Saturday, November 22, 1:01 PM

The Cleveland Browns have elevated quarterback Bailey Zappe from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of their Week 12 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. With quarterback Dillon Gabriel (concussion) sidelined by a concussion, Zappe will serve as Cleveland's QB2 in Week 12 behind rookie Shedeur Sanders. Across 15 career NFL games (nine starts), Zappe has completed 62.1% of his pass attempts for 2,223 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. He last appeared in an NFL game with Cleveland in 2024. Gabriel is not expected to face an extended absence, so Zappe's time on the active roster could be limited to one week.