When the Cleveland Browns traded multiple draft picks and fully guaranteed quarterback Deshaun Watson’s entire $230 million contract, it sent shockwaves around the NFL.
Watson missed the entire 2021 season — his final season with the Houston Texans. After the trade, Watson was suspended for the first 11 games of the 2022 season. When Watson did debut for the Browns, he didn’t look like the same player who was arguably a top-five NFL quarterback when he last played in 2020.
On Friday, the Browns host the Washington Commanders in Cleveland’s second preseason game. And Watson told reporters on Wednesday he’d be starting the game against Washington.
#Browns Deshaun Watson says he’ll start vs. #Commanders Friday night pic.twitter.com/mTDJm9Qvys
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 9, 2023
In six starts, Watson completed 58% of his passes, with seven touchdowns and five interceptions. He also took 20 sacks behind an excellent offensive line. Perhaps Watson’s best start came against the Commanders. While he completed only nine passes, three were for touchdowns.
“I’m not even sure (how much I’ll play),” Watson said Wednesday, per Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com. “I just know I’m starting it off, and we’ll see how … the biggest thing really is just getting operational in the field for pre-game and starting off the game and just kind of get myself back in routine to get ready for the season.”
Second-year quarterback — and presumed starter — Sam Howell will start for the Commanders, but it’s unclear how much he’ll play.