Browns, Deshaun Watson are going to part ways, and 3 teams could want him as their starting QB

Browns, Deshaun Watson are going to part ways, and 3 teams could want him as their starting QB originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cleveland Browns and Deshaun Watson are nearing the end of their time together.

His contract dictates that he'll spend the 2026 NFL season on the shores of Lake Erie. After that? This partnership is almost certainly going to end.

At that point, Watson could be considered by other teams as a potential starting QB.

He'll have to perform well when given the chance in 2026, but there's enough NFL pedigree for Watson to at least be considered elsewhere on what would surely be a cheap contract.

"Watson is a viable option to start for Cleveland this season if coach Todd Monken opts for veteran experience," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler wrote in a new article on Thursday. "The Browns made several improvements to the offense around the quarterback. If Watson can regain his confidence and stay in the lineup, there might be a spot for him to start somewhere in 2027. The QB is 30 years old."

Cleveland is always looking for quarterback help, but their Watson saga will likely take the Browns out of the running.

So who does that put into the mix? There are at least a few ideas.