It’s been a long, painful road for Deshaun Watson. The former star quarterback hasn’t looked like his old self in years, but a new report suggests his NFL story might not be over just yet. In fact, there’s a real chance Watson could emerge as a free agent in 2027 and land another big contract.
According to Ari Meirov of The 33rd NFL Team, Watson has built a strong rapport with Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken and is in line to compete for the starting job in 2026. If he wins the role and plays well, Meirov believes Watson could hit the open market next offseason and potentially secure a new deal.
“It might sound crazy, but it’s within the realm of possibility that Deshaun Watson ends up as the #Browns’ QB1, plays well this season, and hits free agency next offseason with a chance to land another contract. From all accounts, he and Todd Monken have built a great relationship so far,” Meirov wrote on social media.
That scenario would mark a stunning reversal for a player whose career has been derailed by off-field issues and injuries. Watson hasn’t played a full season since 2020, when he led the NFL in passing yards. Since then, he’s been sidelined by suspensions, a shoulder injury, and a torn Achilles that cost him all of 2025.
But now, with Watson reportedly healthy and building chemistry with Monken, there’s a flicker of hope. The Browns are in a period of transition, and if Watson can recapture even a fraction of his Pro Bowl form, the team could have a tough decision to make. Could he really be the answer under center in 2026? Some analysts think so, especially given the Browns’ potential to be a nightmare for opponents if everything clicks.
Still, fans aren’t buying the hype. Social media erupted with skepticism after Meirov’s report, with many pointing to Watson’s past sexual misconduct allegations and years of underperformance. “Deshaun Watson hasn’t played well since his last year with the Texans in 2020. It’s been 6 years and he’s had 2 major injuries since then. It’s technically possible I could be a millionaire but I don’t give it the time of day just like Watson being good again,” one user wrote. Another bluntly asked, “Why would any other team give that garbage creep more money?”
The backlash is understandable. Watson’s legacy is forever tainted by allegations from more than two dozen massage therapists, which led to an 11-game suspension and widespread condemnation. His on-field performance in Cleveland has been a shadow of his Houston days—just 19 games in four seasons, with more turnovers than touchdowns.
But the NFL is a business, and teams are always looking for quarterback help. If Watson stays healthy and puts together a solid 2026 campaign, it’s not impossible that a desperate franchise could take a flier on him in free agency. The precedent exists—just look at how other players have navigated high-stakes free agency gambles in other sports.
For now, Watson’s focus is on winning the Browns’ starting job and proving he can still play. The 2026 season is shaping up to be his last, best chance at redemption. But even a Super Bowl run might not be enough to win back the trust of the fans who have written him off.
Will Watson rise from the ashes or fade into obscurity? The answer starts this fall.
