Deshaun Watson has been handed a blunt reality check ahead of his potential return to the NFL, with radio host Ken Carman questioning whether the Cleveland Browns quarterback deserves any credit for his comeback. Watson has appeared in just 19 games since the 2022 season and missed the entire 2025 campaign with a re-ruptured Achilles.
The Browns made a huge investment in Watson when they traded three first-round picks, along with a third-round pick and two fourth-round selections, for the quarterback. They also gave him a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract.
That deal has become increasingly difficult to justify, particularly after Watson struggled to stay on the field and failed to rediscover the form that made him a three-time Pro Bowler.
Ken Carman questions whether Deshaun Watson can still win back the Browns job
Speaking with Anthony Lima on 92.3 The Fan, Carman was asked about Watson’s situation following head coach Todd Monken’s comments on the quarterback competition.
‘No, I think no, he doesn’t get any credit. I think the organisation gets blame,’ Carman said. ‘It’s not proven anything to me when it comes to that.’
Watson’s 2020 season remains the obvious reference point. He threw for 4,823 yards and 33 touchdowns that year, earning an All-Pro selection before his career took a very different path.
After his move to Cleveland, Watson went 3-3 as a starter in his first season but has managed only 13 further starts across the following two campaigns. His 2025 season was then wiped out by his Achilles injury.
The numbers have not helped his case either. According to Pro Football Reference, Watson has started 19 games for the Browns, throwing for 3,365 yards and 19 touchdowns while being sacked 70 times.
Now he has a genuine opportunity to change that narrative.
Monken confirmed on August 13 that Watson will start against the Chicago Bears in the Browns’ first preseason game, while rookie Shedeur Sanders will start the following week against Buffalo.
Both quarterbacks are expected to play roughly a half.
‘You have to pick somebody. I have my reasons for how it’s going to go, and it’s still a competition,’ Monken said.
Watson therefore has a clear chance to answer his critics. His first preseason appearance could be an important early step in showing the Browns that their faith in his comeback was not misplaced.
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