Watson's ability to move past negative plays instead of compounding them has stood out to team sources, marking a significant shift in how the Browns view their 31-year-old quarterback. After years of being viewed as a liability, Watson is producing results that have changed the conversation inside the building.
The Browns' surprising 2-1 start matters because it affects how the team will manage its quarterback position going forward. Team sources indicated Watson's performance through three games hasn't convinced Cleveland he's the long-term answer, but the momentum has altered near-term strategy. Watson is no longer being evaluated on a week-to-week basis after the Browns initially planned to reevaluate the quarterback position following Week 2.
Watson's path to stability came after a season-opening loss to Jacksonville. He then led the Browns to back-to-back victories at Tampa Bay and against Carolina—his first consecutive wins in Cleveland since 2023. The quarterback made his return this season after tearing his Achilles tendon in 2024, beating out Shedeur Sanders for the Week 1 starting job in training camp. Watson signed a fully-guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract in 2022 and is in the final year of that deal.
The Browns face Pittsburgh in Week 4 on Thursday Night Football. While Watson may not be the long-term solution—Cleveland likely wants to develop a rookie quarterback for future contention—the short-term momentum suggests the team and Watson will continue building together.