Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson understands what's at stake ahead of his first regular-season start in nearly two years.
"Me being (in) my last year of my deal and Year 10, I feel like this is my opportunity to be able to go and showcase that I can still play in this league," Watson said Wednesday, according to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. "I want to continue to play as well, so this is my opportunity."
Watson is in line to make his first appearance since tearing his right Achilles tendon on Oct. 7, 2024. He missed the entire 2025 season after re-aggravating the injury, which required a second surgery in January 2025.
Since the Browns traded three first-round picks for Watson and proceeded to give him a fully guaranteed five-year, $230-million contract in March 2022, he's been limited to 19 games due to a suspension and various injuries. Watson has passed for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions with the team while posting a 9-10 mark as a starter.
The 30-year-old will carry a $40.9-million cap hit this season and could become a free agent next offseason, according to Over the Cap.
Watson beat out Shedeur Sanders in training camp for the starting role. Head coach Todd Monken said in August that the three-time Pro Bowler gives the Browns' offense "the best chance to move the ball and score points."
Monken said Wednesday that Sanders will serve as the primary backup to Watson for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and that rookie Taylen Green could be active as well.
