SouthernWorldwide.com – For fans of the Cleveland Browns, the 2026 NFL season might present an unexpected comeback narrative centered around quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Under the guidance of new head coach Todd Monken, early indications from organized team activities suggest Watson has made significant progress, potentially solidifying his position as the team’s starting quarterback.
While the substantial $230 million fully guaranteed contract he signed is unlikely to be fully justified, a resurgent performance could position Watson for future starting opportunities or an extended stay in Cleveland.
A return to his previous form would remind the league of his exceptional abilities as a dynamic playmaker from the pocket.
It’s understandable that skepticism exists, given the time elapsed since Watson last performed at his peak. Now 30 years old, his career has been marked by significant challenges.
However, recent success stories like those of Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, and Geno Smith offer a glimmer of hope. These quarterbacks have demonstrated that a change in coaching and a system tailored to their strengths can revitalize their careers.
Monken arrives in Cleveland with a proven track record of developing elite quarterbacks. In his three years with the Baltimore Ravens, he played a crucial role in Lamar Jackson’s MVP seasons.
During that period, Jackson achieved a 66% completion rate, accumulating 10,399 passing yards, 86 touchdowns, and only 18 interceptions across 46 games.
Jackson’s passer rating consistently remained at or above 102.7, with an impressive average of 8.4 yards per pass attempt during Monken’s tenure.
These statistics are particularly noteworthy considering Jackson’s transition from a run-heavy offense to a spread system. This new approach incorporated more downfield passes and a quicker passing rhythm.
Monken’s experience as a collegiate playcaller allowed the Ravens to implement spread formations and Air Raid concepts, simplifying the game for their dynamic quarterback.
Watson himself experienced similar success earlier in his career with the Houston Texans, operating under Bill O’Brien’s wide-open offense.
In his first four seasons, Watson completed 67.8% of his passes for 14,539 yards, with 104 touchdowns and 36 interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 104.5.
His 8.3 yards per attempt average over 54 games in Houston showcases his proficiency in a “spread and shred” system, reminiscent of the offense that led Clemson to a national title in 2016.
Critics will rightly point to Watson’s recent struggles and injury history. It has been a considerable time since he has performed at his 2020 peak.
His career trajectory has been significantly impacted by a year-long absence in 2021, an 11-game suspension in 2022 stemming from personal conduct policy violations and numerous sexual assault allegations, and subsequent injuries to his throwing shoulder and Achilles between 2023-25.
Over the past five seasons, Watson has played in only 19 out of a possible 85 games, with his last NFL appearance occurring in October 2024.
However, the Cleveland Browns’ previous offensive scheme also played a substantial role in Watson’s difficulties.
While Kevin Stefanski’s under-center, play-action-heavy system proved effective for some quarterbacks, Watson struggled to find his rhythm within it. His statistics during those 19 games—a 61.2% completion rate, 3,365 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and an 80.7 passer rating—paint a concerning picture.
Whether due to rust, resistance to the system, or a genuine decline in performance, Watson’s subpar play has been one of the more perplexing developments in recent NFL history.
This situation brings to mind a valuable lesson from Hall of Fame executive Ron Wolf, learned from the late Al Davis: do not abandon a high-caliber talent prematurely, as a new perspective or environment can unlock their potential.
While this advice was initially discussed in the context of first-round draft picks receiving multiple chances, it holds significant relevance here, especially with Monken’s arrival and Watson’s established early-career pedigree.
Despite his struggles in Cleveland over the past four years, Watson was a three-time Pro Bowler in Houston and was widely considered a top-five quarterback.
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“Any time that you have a player that at one time has exhibited the skill set at an elite level,” Monken was quoted as saying at the NFL Scouting Combine in February, “I think you’re always going to give them the benefit of the doubt that somehow we might be able to get that out of him again, and I think that’s how you should look at every player.”
By offering Watson a fresh start and implementing a system better suited to his strengths, the Browns are hoping to recapture the magic of the player who once led the league in passing yards (4,823 in 2020) and set a Texans franchise record with 33 touchdowns in the same season.
The team is optimistic that a new scheme and an improved supporting cast will help Watson regain the pinpoint accuracy that made him one of the league’s most feared young quarterbacks.
From a strategic perspective, Monken’s emphasis on deep passes and quick throws from shotgun formations should align well with Watson’s ability as a rhythmic passer.
The 6-foot-3, 223-pound Watson excelled at “catch it and rip it” concepts early in his career, stemming from his extensive experience with quick passes, screens, and RPOs at Clemson.
Furthermore, he possesses exceptional accuracy on deep balls, with his arcing throws consistently finding receivers over the top of defenses.
The Texans effectively utilized his talents by surrounding him with speedy receivers and “catch-and-run” specialists like Will Fuller, Brandin Cooks, Kenny Stills, and Randall Cobb, who could capitalize on his deep passes or turn quick throws into significant gains.
With DeAndre Hopkins establishing himself as a dominant WR1, the Texans provided Watson with enough playmakers to effectively target all areas of the field.
The Browns can replicate this approach following their draft selections of KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston, and Joe Royer in April, who will join Jerry Jeudy, Isaiah Bond, and Harold Fannin Jr.
While these offseason acquisitions were not specifically targeted with Watson in mind, he stands to benefit from a more diverse and explosive receiving corps.
With a revamped offensive line featuring a blend of veteran free-agent signings and trade acquisitions such as Zion Johnson, Elgton Jenkins, and Tytus Howard, along with a top-10 draft pick in Spencer Fano, the Browns have assembled a group of “trench warriors” tasked with protecting Watson.
This unit is expected to keep him upright and provide him with adequate time in the pocket. Moreover, the offensive line’s ability to move defenders should contribute to a credible running game, thereby reducing the burden on the quarterback to carry the offense.
While it may seem challenging to envision a player rebounding after a five-year period marked by subpar play and injuries, the recent careers of other quarterbacks offer encouragement.
Sam Darnold, for instance, recently won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks after struggling with the Jets and Panthers. He refined his skills as a backup with the San Francisco 49ers before delivering a remarkable season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024.
Baker Mayfield’s journey has also been a rollercoaster. Once the top overall pick, he was released by his original team, the Browns, and later by the Panthers, before finding success with the Rams and Buccaneers.
Geno Smith arguably presents the most compelling comeback story. He earned back-to-back Pro Bowl selections in Seattle (2022-23) after a six-year absence from a starting role.
Smith served as a backup for four different franchises before eventually replacing Russell Wilson as the Seahawks’ starter, following a two-year apprenticeship.
His career trajectory highlights the critical importance of finding the right scheme and environment to excel as a starting quarterback.
This narrative should instill hope in Browns fans that Watson, should he secure the starting position, might finally play like the franchise quarterback the “Dawg Pound” has long envisioned, even if it’s for a single season.
