Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam expressed strong confidence in Deshaun Watson during the NFL league meetings, stating the quarterback has a "great chance" to win back his starting job under new coach Todd Monken. Haslam's comments come after Watson missed the entire 2025 season following a second Achilles surgery, marking his second consecutive year ending with a major injury.

Watson, 30, is now healthy and set to compete with rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel for the starting position. Haslam highlighted Watson's fresh start with an offensive-minded coach who has experience developing different quarterback styles. The Browns traded three first-round picks and signed Watson to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract in 2022, but injuries and a suspension have limited him to just 19 games since joining Cleveland.

Despite Watson's 33.1 Total QBR ranking last among qualifying passers since 2022, Haslam remains optimistic about his potential. The Browns restructured Watson's contract to reduce his cap hit from an NFL-high $80.7 million, showing organizational commitment to the former Pro Bowler. With the offseason program starting April 7, Watson will have his first opportunity to prove himself in months during organized team activities.