Deshaun Watson’s solid debut could give Browns Todd Monken more to build on

The NFL preseason is in full swing as teams take the field for their first live snaps in months. Coaches are getting valuable information on their players and how they perform in certain situations. The Cleveland Browns are in yet another era of change. They have a brand-new head coach, a shuffled roster and, of course, a new coaching staff. However, the quarterback room has remained largely unchanged since last season. Deshaun Watson, who came to the team in a trade during the 2022 offseason, has remained on the roster as he enters the final season of his contract. Despite his underwhelming tenure, head coach Todd Monken is giving him a clean slate. MORE: Jaxson Dart’s brutal hit should make Giants rethink preseason risk Watson got the start in the Browns’ first preseason game and had a mixed bag of results. However, his performance was overall successful for his first game action in two years. Watson’s 2026 preseason debut overall a clean performance Jul 30, 2026; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws a pass during training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards in his preseason debut, giving the Browns plenty to evaluate while also providing some encouraging signs. Considering he had not played in a game in two years, getting back into a rhythm was arguably just as important as the numbers. There were moments when Watson showed some of the shaky play that has plagued his time in Cleveland. His accuracy and decision-making were a little inconsistent at times, reminding observers why his tenure with the Browns has been so disappointing. MORE: Why is Patrick Mahomes not playing vs Rams? Chiefs QB update Still, Watson looked comfortable operating the offense for most of his outing. He moved the ball effectively and showed he can still make plays from the pocket when given time. Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) attempts to throw a pass during day 12 of training camp, Aug. 11, 2026, in Berea, Ohio. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters) That is an important first step for Watson, who has missed a significant portion of the past four seasons. The Browns do not need him to rediscover his best form overnight, but they do need to see consistent progress as the preseason continues. Monken’s clean-slate approach gives Watson an opportunity to rebuild his career in Cleveland. Whether he can take advantage of it remains one of the biggest questions surrounding the Browns heading into the 2026 season. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —