Who Should I Start? Deshaun Watson or Bailey Zappe

Monday, March 30, 7:31 PM

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.