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By Jett Hatch
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Cleveland Browns have to decide on Deshaun Watson's role on the team in 2026.
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The Cleveland Browns say quarterback Deshaun Watson will have an opportunity to compete for a roster spot and playing time in 2026.
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Watson, 30, is under contract through the 2026 season. According to ESPN, Cleveland owes Watson $46 million next season.
This means Shedeur Sanders will be competing with Watson for playing time next season.
Watson has not played in a full season since joining the Browns in 2022, missing extended time due to injuries and suspension. He suffered a torn Achilles tendon in 2024 and then re-injured the same tendon, undergoing a second surgery in January 2025. He spent the 2025 season on the physically unable to perform list and did not take the field in a regular-season game.
Though it remains uncertain how much he will be counted on as a primary starter, team officials and coaches have indicated that Watson will be given a chance to compete during offseason workouts and training camp. That competition is expected to include younger quarterbacks such as Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, who have been under evaluation for their potential to lead the Browns in the future.
Watson’s role may extend beyond on-field performance to mentoring the quarterbacks going into their second year. The team believes Watson’s experience and knowledge of the offense could help prepare Sanders or Gabriel to step in if needed next season.
How much Watson actually plays in 2026 will depend on his recovery and the vision of Cleveland’s new coaching staff. The new head coach will decide how the team balances the quarterback depth chart.
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