Deshaun Watson Sends a Message: He's Not Backing Down in Browns QB Battle
Deshaun Watson isn’t saying much publicly, but his actions are speaking loud and clear. Less than a day after Browns star pass rusher Myles Garrett made it known that Cleveland’s quarterback job is up for grabs, Watson responded - not with words, but with work.
On Monday, Watson took to Instagram with a series of workout clips, giving fans a glimpse into his offseason grind. Treadmill runs, stationary bike sessions, single-leg balance drills, core work with a rolling tool, weighted squats, leg presses - this wasn’t just a casual sweat.
It was a statement. One that came with captions like “Turn every loss into profit” and *“Daily Steps.
Tomorrow isn’t promised… yesterday already finished.” * The final slide?
A leg press machine and the words: *“New Season!! YEAAAAA.”
No ambiguity there. After missing the entire 2025 season due to a pair of Achilles injuries, Watson’s message was unmistakable: he’s gearing up to compete, and he’s not handing over the starting job without a fight.
Garrett: "No One Gets Handed the Job"
Watson’s workout montage came on the heels of Garrett’s comments during Bleacher Report’s Super Bowl coverage on Sunday. When Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons pressed Garrett on Cleveland’s quarterback situation - specifically whether Watson, with his $46 million salary, still had the inside track - Garrett didn’t mince words.
"I feel like everyone on the roster is going to get a shot," Garrett said. "He [Shedeur Sanders] was the last guy on the field, obviously gonna get first service. Deshaun or whoever else on the roster, they're gonna get a real look."
Garrett didn’t crown anyone, but he acknowledged the obvious: Shedeur Sanders, who started the final seven games of 2025, enters the offseason as the frontrunner. Still, Garrett emphasized that no one - not even a three-time Pro Bowler like Watson - is being handed anything.
"We're gonna give him a shot to prove that he's the guy," Garrett added. "We're not going to give anyone that title until they go out there and earn it.
He [Sanders] showed some flashes. So we're going to give him an opportunity to show what he can."
A Crowded QB Room with High Stakes
The Browns’ quarterback battle heading into 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines in the league. Watson, once seen as the franchise cornerstone, has played just 19 games since Cleveland traded for him in 2022. Injuries have derailed his tenure, and now, with a $46 million cap hit looming, he’s fighting to reclaim his role.
But it won’t be easy.
Sanders showed poise and promise in his late-season starts, and rookie Dillon Gabriel is also in the mix. Head coach Todd Monken confirmed on Tuesday that the competition will remain open through August. Translation: this isn’t just about contracts or résumés - it’s about performance, plain and simple.
And Watson seems to understand that. The Instagram stories weren’t just about showing off a workout; they were about setting a tone.
He knows the questions are swirling. Can he stay healthy?
Can he return to form? Can he lead again?
He’s not answering with press conferences or interviews - at least not yet. He’s answering in the gym, one rep at a time.
The Browns wanted competition. They’ve got it. And Deshaun Watson just reminded everyone that he’s not going quietly.