Deshaun Watson Says He's In Better Place Before 2026 NFL Season
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is ready for the 2026 season to begin.
In March 2022, the Browns acquired Watson from the Houston Texans for a trade package that was centered around three first-round picks. Not only did the Browns part ways with serious draft assets, they handed the Pro Bowl quarterback a five-year, $230 million contract.
Watson, who dealt with an extensive sexual assault lawsuit that same year, has only appeared in 19 games for the Browns. He has completed 61.2% of his passes for 3,365 yards with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Although the 2026 season is still several months away, Watson promised fans this Wednesday that he's in a better place than he was four years ago.
"There was a lot going on, so yeah, I'm in a way better space," Watson told reporters. "I've matured and I'm happy."
When asked how he has matured, Watson offered an interesting response.
"I think the biggest thing is I'm an introvert now. I don't really get into all the outside noise. I used to be a social person back in the day. Now, I'm watching my surroundings and my moves. I'm focusing on the things that I need to focus on."
Will Deshaun start Week 1?
During the early stages of this offseason, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com suggested that Cleveland should name Watson the Week 1 starter before training camp begins.
"With my breaking news here that Deshaun Watson has taken the lead over Shedeur Sanders in the Browns QB competition and has the inside track to win it, I think they should declare him QB1 asap and let the 1st team offense start to cook," Cabot wrote. "There's no time to waste."
Browns coach Todd Monken, however, isn't eager to make a decision by the end of the team's offseason program.
"I really don't know. I'm not going to name a No. 1 … chances are, I will not," Monken said, via Pro Football Talk. "Now, once we get to the fall, we'll have to dissect the reps how we see fit. I just don't see it after the way Shedeur's played and Deshaun's played, they've both played well enough to earn the right to compete to start."
It sounds like Watson will have to keep on battling Shedeur Sanders for the starting job.
Copyright The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 1:29 PM.