Deshaun Watson: Video, Press Conference, Contract, Stats and Injury Update

Deshaun Watson is back in the spotlight as the Cleveland Browns prepare for the 2026 NFL season. After a lengthy recovery from an Achilles injury, Watson has returned to the field and has now been named Cleveland’s starting quarterback for Week 1.

The decision has generated plenty of discussion because of Watson’s injury history, his production since joining Cleveland and the enormous contract that still affects the Browns’ financial planning. Here is the latest on the Deshaun Watson video, press conference, contract, stats and injury status.

Deshaun Watson latest news

The Browns announced on August 24, 2026, that Watson will open the season as their starting quarterback. New head coach Todd Monken chose Watson over Shedeur Sanders after evaluating both quarterbacks during training camp and the preseason.

The decision comes after a difficult preseason appearance against the Buffalo Bills. Watson completed limited work and threw an interception in Cleveland’s 31-7 defeat, while he was also booed by Browns supporters.

Despite the criticism, Monken has maintained that the quarterback decision is based on who gives Cleveland the best chance to win.

Deshaun Watson press conference video

The Cleveland Browns have published several Watson press conferences during the 2026 offseason and preseason.

The most recent official video is Deshaun Watson’s August 24, 2026, press conference, which came around the time Cleveland announced him as the Week 1 starter.

Watch Deshaun Watson’s August 24 press conference

The Browns’ official video library also includes Watson’s August 22 press conference, his August 19 media session and his August 15 postgame press conference following the preseason game at Chicago.

Following the Bills game, Watson’s comments about being booed became a major talking point. He described the reaction as personal and said he felt that some fans had been unsupportive. He later softened his comments and acknowledged the emotional nature of the situation.

Deshaun Watson contract

Watson remains tied to one of the biggest quarterback contracts in NFL history.

When Cleveland acquired him from the Houston Texans in 2022, the Browns gave Watson a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract. The deal included a $45 million signing bonus.

The contract remains a major factor in Cleveland’s quarterback decision. Releasing Watson would create an enormous salary-cap burden, making his contract difficult for the Browns to simply walk away from.

Recent reporting indicates that an immediate release would create significant dead-money consequences, including a projected $86.2 million cap hit in 2027.

That financial reality helps explain why Watson’s future has remained such an important issue for Cleveland.

Deshaun Watson stats

Watson’s NFL career began with the Houston Texans, where he quickly established himself as a productive dual-threat quarterback.

According to NFL.com, Watson has played 73 regular-season games, making 72 starts. He has completed 1,527 of 2,305 passes for 17,904 yards, with 123 touchdowns and 48 interceptions. His career passer rating is 98.8.

His best statistical season came in 2020 with Houston. Watson threw for 4,823 yards, 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions, while completing 70.2% of his passes and producing a 112.4 passer rating.

His numbers have been much more limited since joining Cleveland because of suspension and injuries.

Deshaun Watson Browns stats

Watson’s Browns statistics through the 2024 regular season are:

NFL.com lists Watson with 3,365 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions across his Browns regular-season career through 2024.

Those numbers show why Watson’s return in 2026 is being watched closely. Cleveland needs the quarterback to produce at a much higher level if the team is going to compete consistently.

What happened to Deshaun Watson?

Watson’s recent injury history has played a major role in his Browns career.

In Week 7 of the 2024 season, Watson suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The non-contact injury ended his season.

The injury required surgery, and Watson subsequently missed the entire 2025 season while continuing his rehabilitation. Cleveland later reported that Watson had re-ruptured the Achilles after the original repair, further complicating his recovery.

By June 2026, Watson had returned to the field during Cleveland’s offseason program. The Browns reported that he was taking 11-on-11 repetitions during veteran minicamp, marking a significant step in his recovery.

Is Deshaun Watson healthy?

As of August 26, 2026, Watson has returned to football activities and has been named Cleveland’s Week 1 starter.

That does not mean the injury is no longer relevant. Watson is coming back from a serious Achilles injury and missed the entire 2025 campaign. His ability to remain healthy and regain his previous mobility will be one of the biggest storylines of the season.

The Browns have already given him meaningful preseason and training-camp work, indicating that the coaching staff believes he is physically ready to play.

Why is Deshaun Watson starting?

Monken’s decision was based on the overall evaluation of Watson and Sanders during training camp and preseason.

Watson completed 59.3% of his preseason passes for 162 yards and one interception in the sample reported before the decision. Sanders completed 68.2% for 153 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

Monken ultimately decided Watson gave Cleveland the better chance to win the opening game.

The decision is significant because Sanders had generated considerable attention from Browns supporters, while Watson’s expensive contract and limited availability have made his future a constant topic of debate.

Deshaun Watson’s Cleveland challenge

Watson enters the 2026 season with something to prove.

The Browns gave up multiple first-round picks to acquire him and committed $230 million in guaranteed money. Since then, his Cleveland tenure has been interrupted by suspension, injuries and inconsistent performances.

He has also started only 19 games for Cleveland, according to recent reporting, and the Browns have not received the consistent production they expected from their franchise quarterback.

Now, Watson has an opportunity to change that narrative.

A healthy season with improved efficiency could significantly alter the conversation surrounding his future. Another prolonged absence or disappointing stretch, however, would increase the pressure on the Browns and their quarterback.

What comes next for Deshaun Watson?

Watson is expected to lead Cleveland into the 2026 regular season as QB1.

The Browns begin the season on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars before facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Cleveland then returns home to play the Carolina Panthers.

The opening weeks will provide the clearest indication of whether Watson can return to the level that made him a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback in Houston.

For now, the Browns have made their decision: Deshaun Watson is their starting quarterback.

Deshaun Watson FAQs

What is Deshaun Watson’s contract?

Watson signed a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract with Cleveland in 2022.

What happened to Deshaun Watson’s Achilles?

Watson ruptured his right Achilles during the 2024 season. He missed the remainder of that season and all of the 2025 regular season while recovering.

Is Deshaun Watson playing in 2026?

Yes. As of August 26, 2026, the Browns have named Watson their starting quarterback for Week 1.

Where can I watch Deshaun Watson’s press conference?

The Cleveland Browns’ official website has video of Watson’s August 24, August 22, August 19 and other 2026 press conferences.

What are Deshaun Watson’s career stats?

Through the 2024 regular season, Watson has 17,904 passing yards, 123 touchdowns and 48 interceptions in 73 games, according to NFL.com.

Final thoughts

The Deshaun Watson video, press conference, contract, stats and injury story has become one of the most closely followed narratives surrounding the Browns heading into 2026.

Watson’s return from the Achilles injury gives him another chance to prove that he can still be the franchise quarterback Cleveland envisioned when it acquired him. With the Browns committed to starting him in Week 1, his health and performance will determine whether this comeback becomes a turning point or another difficult chapter in his Cleveland career.