Browns QB Deshaun Watson Cautions Fans About His Abilities

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson had a breakout year with the Houston Texans in 2020, throwing for 4,823 yards, 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Following a break in 2021, he joined the Cleveland Browns via trade in 2022. Through Watson’s first four seasons with the Browns, he has yet to eclipse the amount of passing yards and touchdowns he threw in 2020, though he has five more interceptions than he had that season.

After spending the 2024 season rehabbing from an Achilles injury he suffered in 2024, Watson is battling for the starting quarterback job with Shedeur Sanders. On Wednesday, Watson told reporters he’s not trying to re-create his 2020 effort, but thinks he has skills that can help the Browns win games.

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“I’m not trying to replicate the 2020 (season),” Watson said, via NFL Media. “I’m a different person. I’m older. I’m more wise. I think at the same time, everyone wants to rewind the clock back, but we can’t do that. At the end of the [day] I just got to focus on being the best product and player I can for Deshaun Watson as a Cleveland Brown player. That’s all I’m focused on.”

Watson showed he was a gifted athlete during his time with the Texans. His mobility suffered in Cleveland before the Achilles injury, and that could be a problem for him moving forward.

Watson struggled to play under former head coach Kevin Stefanski’s system. He could be a better fit under new head coach Todd Monken.

Watson noted he needed to stay healthy to have a successful season. He’s played no more than seven games in a regular season for Cleveland, and has made 19 total starts with the team.

“I’m trying to play a full season,” Watson said. “I’m just trying to be healthy so I can play all 17-plus games. I don’t know. What happens is going to happen at that time.”

Watson needs to put up good tape for the Browns this season for his career to continue in 2027. Watson, 30, is expected to become a free agent during the next offseason. He’ll need to have his best season with the Browns to make that happen.

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This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 6:36 PM.