Deshaun Watson warns the Browns of his intentions, which could reshape Shedeur Sanders' future
Watson has led the Cleveland Browns to two wins from three games in the 2026 NFL season.
D eshaun Watson has made it clear that he intends to remain in the NFL for as long as his body allows, a commitment that could have major implications for Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns ' quarterback plans.
Watson has endured a turbulent stretch since arriving in Cleveland , losing significant playing time to suspension and injuries. He missed 11 games in 2022 following his ban.
He then dealt with a shoulder injury in 2023 before suffering a serious Achilles injury against the Cincinnati Bengals on October 20, 2024 before another Achilles setback in January 2025 kept Watson out for the entire season.
As a result, he has yet to complete a full season since signing his five-year contract with the Browns but the veteran quarterback has returned - and is attempting to make up for the time he has lost.
And his return looked disappointing. Watson threw for 205 yards, one touchdown and one interception against the Jacksonville Jaguars being sacked five times.
But since then, he has completed 40 of 60 passes for 382 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Browns to wins over the Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers , leading the team to an early 2-1 record.
And his determination to continue playing is partly inspired by Aaron Rodgers , who Watson has watched overcome his own Achilles injury to comeback to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to the 2025 NFL Playoffs as he insists he wants to continue playing.
“That’s the goal, man. God willing, for sure. God willing. That’s the goal. So, I want to play as long as I possibly can, until football tells me I can’t,” Watson said, as per Mary Kay Cabot . “I’ve known Aaron just passing throughout over the years, playing against each other.
“When I was working with Dr. ElAttrache on my shoulder, he was out there with his Achilles. I got the chance to talk to him a little bit. It’s motivating, it’s inspiring to be able to see what he’s doing at the age he’s been doing it for so long.
“I was watching him as a young kid, so to be able to play against him is super dope. You can learn a lot from him.”
Could the Browns trade Shedeur Sanders?
Watson 's desire for longevity could complicate the situation surrounding Sanders , who entered the season as Cleveland 's second-year quarterback behind him in a crowded room that also includes Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green .
Sanders has been linked with hypothetical trades throughout the offseason, with speculation centering on the crowded quarterback depth chart.
However, the Browns have indicated that they are not currently looking to move on from Sanders as NFL insider James Palmer reported that Cleveland has been impressed by his development, particularly his pocket presence, progressions and overall quarterback skills as he enters his second professional year.
The team has continued evaluating its quarterbacks while Watson established himself as the starter and several hypothetical trades have nonetheless emerged, including proposals involving the Arizona Cardinals , New Orleans Saints and New York Giants .
Those scenarios have remained speculative, however and according to Cabot , the Browns do not intend to part with either Sanders or Gabriel before the November 10 trade deadline.
“The Browns have no plans to trade away their No. 2 and No. 3 quarterbacks now or before the trade deadline Nov. 10,” Cabot reported.
That leaves the duo waiting for their opportunities behind Watson and if he continues to perform and remains committed to extending his career, Cleveland 's long-term quarterback picture could become increasingly complicated.
