The Cleveland Browns completely overhauled their coaching staff in January following a 5-12 season. They brought in Todd Monken to rebuild the offense. Now, as the team hits the field for Organized Team Activities this week, Monken is giving Deshaun Watson a legitimate runway to win back the starting quarterback job.
The veteran quarterback is reportedly taking well to the new offensive scheme. According to a breakdown of Jeremy Fowler’s ESPN report, Watson and Monken have “hit it off” early in the offseason program. Monken’s playbook incorporates concepts that highlight Watson’s historical strengths and makes him feel comfortable operating the offense.
This early connection sets the stage for a highly crowded quarterback room. Watson has appeared in just 19 games across his first four seasons in Cleveland. A 12-game suspension, a severe shoulder injury, and a twice-repaired Achilles tear wiped out the bulk of his playing time. He now faces a depth chart featuring high-profile draft acquisitions Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Taylen Green.
Browns fans have voiced heavy sunk-cost fatigue regarding Watson’s off-field history and his 1-6 record prior to the Achilles injury. Social media sentiment shows the fan base heavily invested in the pressure surrounding the Browns’ ongoing QB competition between Watson and Sanders. Many are vocally rooting for the rookies to seize the job this summer.
The Cleveland front office faces a strict financial reality regarding the veteran. Watson is entering the final stretch of his unprecedented, fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. He carries a $44 million cap hit for 2026. That financial weight gives the organization an obvious incentive to let him attempt to start before writing off the investment entirely.
Monken explicitly stated he has “no history” with anyone on the roster. He is letting on-field performance dictate the depth chart. Performance during this week’s OTAs will roll directly into Cleveland’s mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 9-11, where the physical battle for the starting job will officially accelerate.