10 articles · Updated · profootballrumors.com · May 20
Watson is open to remaining in Cleveland after 2026 if he plays well this season, even as his future with the Browns remains highly uncertain.
The uncertainty centers on a contract that expires after 2026 but would still leave Cleveland with $86.2 million in dead money across 2027-28 if he is gone.
Cleveland already passed on Malik Willis at three years and $67.5 million, unwilling to add another sizable quarterback deal while still carrying Watson’s five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million pact.
Watson has started only 19 games for the Browns and is returning from a twice-ruptured Achilles after missing all of last season, setting up a summer battle with second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders under new coach Todd Monken.
Monken’s spread-oriented system is viewed by Watson’s camp as a better fit than Kevin Stefanski’s, but Cleveland is still trying to recover from a 5-12 season after paying three first-round picks to acquire him.
Is Deshaun Watson's comeback story in jeopardy as a younger QB takes first-team reps?
Could a successful 2026 season accidentally ruin the Browns' chance to draft a franchise QB like Arch Manning?