Cleveland Browns Insider Raises Serious Questions About Deshaun Watson’s Future
The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition is only a couple of days old, but one respected insider already delivered a concerning assessment of Deshaun Watson.
The Athletic’s Jason Lloyd didn’t mince words when discussing what he’s seen from the former Pro Bowl quarterback during the opening stages of training camp.
“Through the first couple of days of training camp, I’m not sure Watson is still capable of playing quarterback in the NFL.”
That’s a stunning statement considering the Browns are giving Watson every opportunity to reclaim the starting job entering the final year of his fully guaranteed contract.
Cleveland Browns Watching Watson’s Performance
The Browns opened camp by splitting first-team reps between Watson and Shedeur Sanders. Watson worked with the starters on the first day of practice, but the results were mixed at best. He threw two interceptions on consecutive plays, immediately drawing attention from reporters and observers tracking the quarterback battle.
Head coach Todd Monken defended Watson on one of the turnovers, crediting All-Pro cornerback Denzel Ward for making an exceptional play on the ball.
“It was a great play more by Ward than to me a poor decision,” Monken said.
Still, the two interceptions reinforced concerns that have followed Watson for years.
The Bigger Concern Isn’t the Interceptions
Every quarterback throws interceptions in training camp. The concern is that Watson has struggled to resemble the player Cleveland traded for in 2022.
His Browns tenure has largely been defined by injuries, inconsistency, and unmet expectations. The former franchise quarterback has started just 19 games in four seasons and hasn’t appeared in a regular-season contest since October 2024.
Things became even more complicated when Watson suffered a second Achilles setback during his recovery, causing him to miss the entire 2025 season.
Now, after nearly two years away from game action, questions about his physical ability and overall effectiveness have become impossible to ignore.
What It Means for Shedeur Sanders
Lloyd’s comments weren’t only about Watson. They were also about Sanders. The insider suggested that if Watson ultimately wins the starting job over Sanders, it may reveal how the organization truly views the younger quarterback’s long-term potential.
That’s noteworthy because Sanders received an extended opportunity last season after injuries and poor play elsewhere on the depth chart.
While his numbers weren’t spectacular, he helped guide Cleveland to a respectable 3-4 record in seven starts and gained valuable experience.
The Browns appear committed to giving both quarterbacks a legitimate chance to earn the job.
Watson Has Everything to Prove
For Watson, this training camp may be the most important stretch of his NFL career.
At one point he was viewed as one of the league’s elite young quarterbacks. Now the conversation has shifted dramatically.
Instead of discussing Pro Bowls and playoff potential, people are questioning whether he can still function as an NFL starter.
That’s a remarkable fall for a player who once appeared untouchable at the position.
The Preseason Could Provide Answers
The early days of camp often produce overreactions, and it’s important to remember that only a handful of practices have taken place.
However, Lloyd’s comments reflect a growing reality: Watson’s performance is being scrutinized more closely than ever.
The Browns seem determined to let the competition play out, but preseason games will likely offer a clearer picture of where things stand.
If Watson looks sharp, some of the concerns will fade.
If he continues struggling, the pressure to turn toward Sanders could intensify quickly.
For now, the most important development isn’t who is leading the competition. It’s that a prominent Browns insider is openly wondering whether Deshaun Watson is still capable of playing NFL quarterback at all.
That’s a question Watson will spend the rest of training camp trying to answer.
