Deshaun Watson says he can still play in the NFL
The Cleveland Browns quarterback says Year 10 and the final year of his contract give him an opportunity to show he can still play at a high level.
It did not take long for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson to turn the ball over in his return to action.
Watson, who hadn’t played since Week 7 of 2024 with a torn Achilles, threw an interception on his third pass attempt of the 2026 season. Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun came away with the pick on Cleveland’s fifth play from scrimmage, and the Jaguars scored a touchdown on their ensuing possession.
Despite missing all of 2025, Watson won the Browns’ starting job over second-year Shedeur Sanders. The two quarterbacks produced mixed results during their battle for the QB1 gig in training camp and the preseason, but new head coach Todd Monken ultimately went with the veteran.
Watson is in the final year of a five-year, $230 million that he signed in 2022. The fully guaranteed contract now includes four void years, and the Browns will incur an $86.2 million dead cap hit in 2027.
Through four years (and one week) in Cleveland, Watson has played in 20 games for the Browns. Entering Week 1 of this year, the veteran quarterback was 341-for-557 (61.2%) passing for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The Browns are 9-10 in games Watson has started since 2022.