Deshaun Watson’s first live action since October 2024 is coming Saturday, and the Browns’ quarterback race is already framed by one blunt question: can he do enough to keep Shedeur Sanders from forcing his way into the job?
Former Bengals receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh thinks Watson does not need a masterpiece in the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears. He just can’t fall flat.
"I don't believe, like, it ain't like Deshaun Watson can just go out there and be straight a**, and he's still going to start week one," Houshmandzadeh said. "He's going to have to show that he's capable of being.
"If Shadur Sanders just outplays him in the preseason and it's just like by a mile, then Shadur Sanders will start. I just believe Deshaun Watson is going to play well enough to where it's like, 'Man, we giving him 40-plus million, let's see if this going to be the year. Let's see if we can recapture this Houston Texan, Deshaun Watson.'"
For Houshmandzadeh, the money matters. Watson is on a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, and in his view that buys him a real shot to reclaim the starting role if he shows enough in camp and preseason work.
The Browns have Watson set to start Saturday over Sanders, and that has only sharpened the debate over who will be under center for Week 1. Watson’s return also marks his first appearance in a live game since October 2024, after injuries knocked his Cleveland run off course.
Cleveland Plain Dealer insider Mary Kay Cabot said Thursday on 92.3 The Fan that Watson still holds the slight edge, but the Browns want to see more than arm talent and practice flashes. They want to know he can absorb what comes with the job.
"I think that they need to see that Deshaun Watson is going to be able to handle what's coming his way," Cabot said.
"And it's going to be very, very significant in this competition. I think for him to prove that he has the mental toughness to handle the boos that he is going to hear for himself, and the calls and the cheers that he's going to hear for Shedeur Sanders.
Everybody is human. Everybody is human.
That's probably going to happen in the stadium."
Todd Monken also left the door open for a stronger Watson season, saying, "Why can't he be? I haven't seen it yet," while also pointing to "a lot of really good things" from Watson during camp. Watson is scheduled to play the first half on Saturday, with the Browns’ competition set to continue through their Aug. 22 home game against Buffalo.
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