ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit thought Deshaun Watson had been medically retired. A chance encounter with former Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz in a Nashville park changed that.
Schwartz, who resigned in February after the Browns hired someone else as head coach, told Herbstreit that Watson was healthy and back in Cleveland’s quarterback mix.
Deshaun Watson
Sep 7, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Watson has not played a full season since signing a fully guaranteed $230 million contract with Cleveland in 2022. He ruptured his right Achilles tendon in October 2024 and then re-ruptured it during recovery, keeping him out for the entire 2025 season. The Browns went 5-12 in 2025. Rookie Shedeur Sanders started the final seven games and went 3-4 with 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions. Todd Monken was hired as head coach in January 2026.
Herbstreit described the park conversation on The Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show. “I was walking the other day here in Nashville, and I went to this park. Jim Schwartz is there, and he was walking with his dogs,” Herbstreit said. “We started talking, and he brought up Deshaun, like, ‘Deshaun’s healthy and back.’ I thought he was medically retired. I didn’t know he was back in the mix, and he said, ‘No, man. I think he’s back.’ Schwartz did not stay with the Browns and planned to sit out the 2026 season.”
Herbstreit addressed Watson’s potential impact. Watson’s return could change the franchise. “It would be one series if he led them down the field, and all would be forgiven if he looked like the Deshaun everyone had hoped for when he came over from Houston,” Herbstreit said. Herbstreit also said stability at quarterback would help the team win games. “If you find stability at that position – whether it’s Shedeur, Deshaun, or Dillon Gabriel – then you can start making a logical case that this team can win a bunch of games,” he said.
Watson returned to full participation.Pro Football Rumorsreported that Watson received full medical clearance and attended all voluntary offseason workouts. Watson had a competitive edge over Sanders after the April minicamp and the inside track on the starting job. Monken wants to name a starter before mandatory minicamp, but has not decided yet.
Todd Monken’s QB room is now crowded
Herbstreit also shared his thoughts on new head coach Todd Monken during the same appearance. Monken spent three seasons as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator after winning back-to-back national championships at Georgia.He helped Lamar Jackson win his second NFL MVP in 2023.
Monken had previously said he was intrigued to work with a healthy Watson. Herbstreit confirmed that assessment personally.
“I’m a huge Monken fan. I’ve known him for a long, long time. I love him because he gets a little edgy,” Herbstreit said on the show. “A lot of times, he’s just been in the film room, kind of like a mad scientist, not having to deal with the media as much.” Cleveland’s quarterback room now includes Watson, Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and sixth-round rookie Taylen Green.
Watson is in the final year of his contract and carries a $46 million cap number in 2026. NFL.com reported Watson was removed from the PUP list in 2025 and returned to practice before the Browns kept him off the active roster. The team retained him instead of releasing him, leaving the door open for his return.
Cleveland’s quarterback decision will impact the 2026 season. Watson’s start would be a notable comeback. Sanders starting would give the Browns continuity with a young passer. The competition is open, and Watson has the early lead.