Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett are both in the mix, but the Cleveland Browns didn’t stop there. They also brought in Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders this offseason, making the quarterback room pretty crowded. They even signed Sanders to a new deal, locking him in for 4 years. So, now, with four solid options, it’s clear Cleveland is gearing up for a serious battle for the 2025 starting job. Some fans are backing Gabriel, others believe Sanders has the edge, and a few are counting on a veteran to take the lead. But here’s the twist. Deshaun Watson, sidelined by injury, might return. And if he returns healthy, everything could change.

Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com dropped a hot nugget on her official X account on Monday. She said, “Browns QB Deshaun Watson has taken his Achilles rehab to the next level: He’s throwing to Jerry Jeudy and David Bell inside the #Browns facility, source says (been out of boot for weeks).” So, does that mean he is coming back? And if so, are Browns fans even ready for it? Ah, that’s a matter of debate.

As sharing Cabot’s tweet, a Browns fan wrote, “I got a problem with this. I don’t want Deshaun throwing to Jeudy and Bell. I don’t want him anywhere near that locker room. He’s just going to spoil the culture again. Kevin & Andy better come up with a plan to keep him away.” It’s harsh, but unfortunately, the truth is NFL fans don’t like him.

Remember when fans in the stands in Cleveland booed Watson in pregame introductions and also cheered when the QB was hit hard with an injury last season? That tells everything. Watson, once a top pick by the Texans in 2017, had huge contracts and big expectations. But things never really got back on track after he missed a full season due to legal trouble and later got suspended. Cleveland gave up a lot for him in 2022 and handed him a massive, fully guaranteed deal worth $230 million.

However, in 2024, he played just seven games with average numbers. Now, with his future uncertain, the Browns may be writing a new chapter, one that doesn’t have Deshaun Watson leading the way. But with rehab looking solid, the team may give him one last shot to prove himself.

They’re stacked with young talent, as Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel are hungry and looking sharp. Sanders even signed a fresh $4.6 million rookie deal. So yeah, Watson’s return could stir up the QB room big time. But if he doesn’t deliver this time, the Browns might finally turn the page for good. This summer in Cleveland’s about to get real interesting. Until then, fans are clear about one thing.

Should Deshaun Watson’s chapter be closed forever?

After Mary Kay Cabot shared the news of Deshaun Watson’s potential coming in 2025, fans are giving their opinions on social media. But let us tell you, these perceptions aren’t in favor of the QB. For instance, one said, “Agree 100%. They need to make it VERY clear that they’ve moved on. Quit f’ing with the chemistry.” Another chimed in, “Meh. He’s never playing a down again as a Brown. Book it in Vegas.” That’s a bold claim.

In addition to their comments, one clearly stated that he finds Joe Flacco and others as the team’s last hope, as they mentioned, “Very infuriating! If they cross the line any further w/him, after thinking he was going to be hidden til cut. It’s most likely going to be the last straw for me! Especially, if DW contaminates what Flacco & Gabriel will try to do. Those 2 QBs are about the only ray of hope I had!” The team needs to rethink!

Besides them, another person speculated on the move. They think, perhaps, the Browns do not want to get over Deshaun Watson. That’s why they said, “It’s not going to happen. He is in the bloodstream. Kev holds almost no power at all. Berry and Depo call all the shots. All of them. If they wanted him away from the locker room, he would already be away. For whatever reason, they want him around and let him hang around.” Well, that can be true!

What if the Browns do not want to get over with Deshaun Watson, despite having Shedeur Sanders and others in the mix? Things are getting really tricky for the team this time.