Deshaun Watson was part of what is widely regarded as the worst trade in NFL history. When he was named the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns in the preseason, many believed this franchise was destined for the number one overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
However, Watson and the Browns find themselves in unfamiliar territory: leading the AFC North for the first time since November of 2024. The defense has stepped up in a major way in recent weeks, but it has been Watson's late-game heroics that have spearheaded the charge. This begs the question: could Watson be the long-term solution in Cleveland?
ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi recently wrote on the Browns' QB situation, and here are some excerpts of his article:
While team sources indicated
that Watson's performance through three games hasn't convinced the Browns to consider Watson the long-term answer, Cleveland's surprising start has shifted the conversation inside the building to whether the 31-year-old passer and the Browns can build short-term momentum.
The price tag may have been hefty, and the annual salary might be among the highest in the NFL, but the Browns have a lot of momentum right now, sitting at 3-1 this year. If this string of impressive wins continues, the Browns may have found their quarterback of the future.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Could the Browns stick with Deshaun Watson beyond 2026?
