Deshaun Watson has not stepped onto the field this year and may never don a Cleveland Browns uniform again. However, he continues to have an impact on their offense and, specifically, on rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
### Watson’s Influence on Dillon Gabriel’s Development
Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees recently opened up about Watson’s role in Gabriel’s growth during his first NFL season, including Gabriel’s first NFL win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Watson, of course, reinjured his Achilles tendon in January, which led the Browns to overhaul their quarterback room. Despite pushing to make a return, Watson has remained off the field, while Gabriel has performed well since taking over for Joe Flacco, who was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Though Watson’s situation might not make him seem like an ideal mentor for the 24-year-old Gabriel, Rees emphasized that Watson’s presence has been positively received. “He goes out of his way to help him talk through some coverages, talk through things like that,” Rees stated.
### Proven Talent Despite Controversies
Regardless of Watson’s controversial and injury-marred tenure with the Browns, his talent as a quarterback is undeniable. He earned three Pro Bowl selections as a member of the Houston Texans before being traded to Cleveland for three first-round picks.
Gabriel has clearly benefited from Watson’s mentorship. In three starts, Gabriel has yet to throw an interception, has tossed three touchdowns, and completed 72.2 percent of his 18 passes against the Dolphins in rainy conditions. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has also lauded Watson’s commitment, stating last week, “He’s doing a great job at rehabbing, good job in meetings.”
### Uncertain Future for Deshaun Watson in Cleveland
Currently in the fourth year of his fully guaranteed five-year, $235 million contract, Watson’s future with the Browns remains uncertain. Fans who have been counting down the days until his contract expires are now getting closer to that freedom.
If the Browns decide to release Watson after June 1, they will face an $80 million-plus dead cap hit, according to Over The Cap. However, releasing him after that date would allow the team to spread the dead cap hit over his void years. With Gabriel on an entry-level contract as a third-round pick, backed up by Shedeur Sanders, and star defensive end Myles Garrett locked into a huge deal, the Browns could potentially maneuver to move on from Watson’s contract, especially since it is considered untradeable.
Alternatively, the Browns could choose to absorb the burden of having Watson as the highest-paid backup quarterback in NFL history—surpassing even Kirk Cousins with the Atlanta Falcons this year—and simply move past the costly mistake rather than prolonging it through the rest of the 2027 season.
### Watson’s Browns Stats and Challenges
Watson’s time with the Browns has been plagued by injuries and off-field issues. In 19 games, he has thrown for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, alongside 465 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Moreover, he served an 11-game suspension in 2022 for violating the NFL’s personal-conduct policy.
While Watson’s future with Cleveland is in flux, his influence on rookie Dillon Gabriel’s early NFL success is a positive takeaway amid a challenging chapter for the franchise.
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