Browns' Deshaun Watson-led win over Bucs was the worst thing for Cleveland in 2026

Watson’s victory robs the Browns of seeing what they have in their young quarterbacks before a QB decision in 2027

Sometimes in life and in football, short-term success can get in the way of long-term growth and development. That's exactly what happened to the Cleveland Browns (1-1) in Week 2. Quarterback Deshaun Watson has not come within the same zip code of the expectations the Browns bestowed on him when they traded a package centered around three first-round picks to the Houston Texans to acquire his services before extending him on a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract. That's on top of his extensive off-field legal issues. It appeared as though perhaps a second straight down week for Cleveland after getting punked 34-10 in Week 1 at the Jacksonville Jaguars might have led to curtains on the Watson era ahead of the team's home opener in Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers (1-1).

Instead, Watson was able to conjure a faint outline of the three-time Pro Bowler that he was with the Houston Texans from 2018 to 2020. Now at 31 years old in 2026 after needing season-ending shoulder surgery (2023) and multiple Achilles tears (2024 and 2025), a less spry Watson cobbled together 238 yards passing and two passing touchdowns on 24-of-30 (80%) in a 23-19 weather-delayed win over his predecessor Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-2). "I'm right where I want to be," Watson said postgame