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Deshaun Watson may not have much room for error as the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback, especially with Shedeur Sanders waiting behind him. Even if Watson eventually loses the job, that may not mean the Browns are ready to move on from him immediately. NFL insider Tom Pelissero believes the Browns are likely to keep Watson on its roster throughout the 2026 season. That would be the case even if Sanders takes over at QB at some point. The reason is not simply about what Watson can give the Browns on the field. Tom Pelissero Explains Why Deshaun Watson Could Stay With Cleveland Pelissero reported that the Browns have a strong reason to keep Watson around even if his time as 1st QB comes to an end. The Browns view the veteran’s experience as useful for a young QB room, particularly with Sanders still developing and Todd Monken beginning his first season as head coach. More importantly, Watson’s contract gives the Browns another reason not to make a midseason move. “No matter how Deshaun Watson’s latest shot to show he can play well and stay healthy goes, it’s a good bet Cleveland will keep him on the roster all season. The Browns believe Watson’s experience is valuable even if/when Shedeur Sanders replaces him as the starter, and Watson’s contract is structured to end in a post–June 1 designated cut for cap purposes—something that can happen only if he’s still on the roster in March.” Tom Pelissero believes the Browns are likely to keep Deshaun Watson on the roster all season, even if Shedeur Sanders eventually takes over as the starter. "No matter how Deshaun Watson’s latest shot to show he can play well and stay healthy goes, it’s a good bet Cleveland will… pic.twitter.com/0uBwRetPPS — BrownsNation.com (@BrownsNationcom) September 10, 2026 The contract situation is what makes this particularly interesting. The Browns can use a post-June 1 designation when it eventually moves on from Watson, allowing the team to spread the remaining cap charge over multiple seasons instead of taking the full hit at once, even if the timing matters. Watson needs to remain on the roster into March for the Browns to use that mechanism. Watson is also entering a pivotal stretch with the Browns. He was named the starter over Sanders after competing for the job during the offseason, and he is set to open the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Browns are giving the veteran another opportunity after injuries kept him off the field for the entire 2025 season. Sanders remains the obvious alternative if things go sideways. The Browns already have him on the 53-man roster, and the young signal-caller will have a chance to develop behind Watson while the team evaluates how the season unfolds. The Browns could simply keep him around as an experienced quarterback and avoid taking on the less favorable financial consequences of releasing him during the season. That also gives the Browns more time before making a final decision on his future. For Watson, that creates an unusual situation. His starting job may depend on how well he performs; however, his place on the roster appears to be much more secure. Related reading: Watch: Daejon Love Arrested In 49ers Gear In Hilarious Video – Look