Story perspectives

Deshaun Watson Leads QB Race, Earns Starting Nod

4/30/2026

Summary

Watson Leads Minicamp

Deshaun Watson topped first-team reps at the June 9-11 minicamp, beating Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel and leading the quarterback race.
Head coach Todd Monken will name the starter by the end of that minicamp, while owner Jimmy Haslam backed Watson for a fresh start and Monken’s quarterback-development record.
Watson signed a five-year, $230 million contract, missed 2025 with an Achilles injury, and served an 11-game 2022 suspension for sexual-misconduct allegations.

Summary

Browns Rebuild

Office called Watson’s $230 million contract a “swing and a miss,” saying it missed expectations.
The team ranked 31st in quarterback completion at 57.89% and averaged 165.1 passing yards per game.
Cleveland added a fourth quarterback, Taylen Green, drafted wide receivers at 24th and 39th overall, and running back Quinshon Judkins enters his second season.
The Browns selected an offensive lineman with the ninth overall pick, emphasizing a youth-centric line rebuild.

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Watson Leads Minicamp

Deshaun Watson topped first-team reps at the June 9-11 minicamp, beating Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel and leading the quarterback race.
Head coach Todd Monken will name the starter by the end of that minicamp, while owner Jimmy Haslam backed Watson for a fresh start and Monken’s quarterback-development record.
Watson signed a five-year, $230 million contract, missed 2025 with an Achilles injury, and served an 11-game 2022 suspension for sexual-misconduct allegations.

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