As the Cleveland Browns approach a crucial deadline on Deshaun Watson’s future, the veteran quarterback is making one thing clear: his competitive fire is very much alive. The Browns have spent this season evaluating rookie quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. But instead of easing back into the background, the 30-year-old just chose to send a loud and clear message.
Through his Instagram post, Deshaun posted a short video from the Browns’ practice facility. The clip was focused entirely on him working on the turf with intensity and purpose. Watson moved fast, trained with focus, and carried himself like someone who still believes he belongs at the center of the conversation.
“Imma represent staying down,” Deshaun Watson said in the clip with his post. “I ain’t take the praise to the head. No, I ain’t down on myself when they were talking crazy. And when they look like, you know, sh-t was f—ked up, I ain’t quitting. And when it looked like, you know, we did it, I ain’t celebrating to the point of like stop doing the work. You know, I heard myself say some real sh-t, you know, just to get this one touchdown, and we won the game.”
Watson made it clear that he has been ignoring praise, blocking out criticism, and refusing to quit when things looked broken. He carries an $81.7 million cap hit. Meanwhile, the Browns appear focused on shaping their long-term quarterback plans, possibly looking ahead to the 2026 class. So recently, Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com suggested that the Browns are leaning toward letting the window expire.
Still, Watson’s hard work at practice has not gone unnoticed by his coaches and teammates. Watson also remains active in meetings and on the sidelines, offering perspective as a former Pro Bowler. The Browns have a set deadline to activate Deshaun Watson until December 23. If the Browns let the deadline pass, his practice window will expire. As a result of that, Watson will remain on the reserve/PUP list for the rest of the season – unable to practice further. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski offered little clarity on the situation. “No update today. I believe the window expires tomorrow, so I’ll have an update for you guys tomorrow.”
Even if activated, Deshaun Watson is unlikely to play this season. Watson also remains active in meetings and on the sidelines, offering perspective as a former Pro Bowler. The Browns have a set deadline to activate Deshaun Watson until December 23. If the Browns let the deadline pass, his practice window will expire. As a result of that, Watson will remain on the reserve/PUP list for the rest of the season – unable to practice further. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski offered little clarity on the situation. “No update today. I believe the window expires tomorrow, so I’ll have an update for you guys tomorrow.”