The Cleveland Browns have long been hunting for a franchise quarterback. They’ve tried everything, from spending a No. 1 overall pick on Baker Mayfield to trading three first-round picks for a Pro Bowl quarterback, Deshaun Watson.

Yet, here we are, with the Browns set to enter an offseason where they’re set to land another top-ten pick, and the QB position is still the biggest question mark on the roster. Could third-round pick Dillon Gabriel or fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders develop into franchise QBs? Sure, but they’re not there yet.

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With the Browns’ QB situation still unclear, there’s even a possibility that Watson regains his starting role in 2026.

Recently, Cleveland.com’s insider Mary Kay Cabot revealed that the Browns could “consider starting Watson” in 2026.

“Even if the Browns decide to roll with Sanders, he’ll have to demonstrate throughout the offseason program that he’s poised to win in 2026, or the Browns will consider starting Deshaun Watson until he’s ready.”

Mary Kay Cabot on Browns QB plans

Watson is under contract with the Browns through 2026. His $46 million salary was fully guaranteed when he signed his deal back in 2022. In other words, the Browns will be paying Watson a starting salary, so why not see what he can accomplish?

Of course, if another quarterback is lightyears ahead of Watson, then we may never see him play another down for the Browns again. Either way, if he’s on the roster, it’s hard to envision Watson not getting some snaps with the first-team defense, just to see what he’s capable of.

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Related: 2025 NFL QB Rankings: Where’s Shedeur Sanders?

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