Who Should I Start? Deshaun Watson or Skylar Thompson

Saturday, December 6, 9:14 PM

The Cleveland Browns are planning to keep quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) on their roster next season, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. While Watson is considered unlikely to play this season as he continues to recover from a torn Achilles that required multiple surgeries, the team has expressed interest in keeping him on the roster, noting that the 30-year-old's veteran presence is valuable for their pair of rookie quarterbacks in Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Another big reason Watson is expected to return is due to the fact that the Browns would have to take on a dead salary of close to $135 million if they released him before June 1 and a $53 million cap charge if he was designated as a post-June 1 cap casualty. The record for dead-cap money was set by the Denver Broncos with quarterback Russell Wilson at $85 million, which they split into two years, but releasing Watson would cost the Browns significantly more. With Watson set to return in 2026, he's expected to compete with Sanders and Gabriel for Cleveland's starting gig.

Sunday, September 28, 11:25 AM

According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Skylar Thompson (hamstring) was robbed on Friday night in Dublin, Ireland. Pelissero noted that the quarterback suffered minor injuries but is "ok" and is with the team. Thompson is currently on the injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. Steelers Spokesman Burt Lauten said, "We are aware of a situation involving Skylar Thompson on Friday night in Dublin. We will have no further comment at this time as we are working with NFL security to gather more information regarding the incident." The 28-year-old spent the 2024 season with the Miami Dolphins and went 21-for-33 with 187 passing yards and no passing scores or interceptions. He will remain the team's No. 3 QB when activated from IR behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph.