Who Should I Start? Deshaun Watson or Quinn Ewers

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.

Sunday, January 4, 7:35 PM

Miami Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers (knee) exited after taking a sack during the fourth quarter of Sunday's Week 18 loss against the New England Patriots. He was listed as questionable but ultimately did not return in the final minutes of the contest. Zach Wilson played the final few offensive snaps for Miami. Ewers finished the final game of the season with 137 passing yards, one touchdown, one interception, and four sacks. The rookie took over for Tua Tagovailoa in Week 16 and seemed to play well enough over the final few weeks to remain in competition for the backup job ahead of the 2026 season. However, Miami's starting quarterback plans for next year remain up in the air, as Tagovailoa is expected to be traded or released. Ewers is unlikely to be in the mix for the starting job, so he's not an appealing option in 2026 redraft leagues.