Latest Deshaun Watson Update Adds More Confusion To Browns QB Room

The Cleveland Browns added four new quarterbacks this offseason. Cleveland pursued two veterans in Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett before spending a pair of draft picks on rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. 

Sanders' addition drew some extra headlines given the polarizing nature of his story. But he only contributes in part to the oddity of this group. 

All four players are serving as placeholders for usual starter Deshaun Watson. A tear of his Achilles last season ended year early and put his upcoming campaign in jeopardy. This only got worse when he suffered a major setback in January. 

But the Browns have yet to rule him out for certain per the latest update from Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot. 

"The Browns haven’t ruled him out for the season yet like they have linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (neck), and they’ve always been in the ‘never-say-never’ camp... Besides, they certainly don’t want to discourage Watson when he’s working so tirelessly to come back, and making a meaningful contribution inside the building."

While he can't actually participate on the field, that hasn't stopped him from contributing to the guys at hand. 

"In the meantime, sources say Watson has been an awesome teammate inside the quarterback room and meeting rooms, and has been a great cheerleader for the four quarterbacks vying for the starting job in Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders."

"He’s been especially helpful to the rookies in Gabriel and Sanders, who are working overtime to remain in the starting mix."

Watson's presence and encouragement is a positive thing, demonstrating the attributes becoming of a franchise player. But the Browns' delay and refusal in shutting this down do make things a little awkward. 

All four players were brought in at least in part with the intention of holding down Watson's job through the entire season. That's all for naught if Watson plays. 

That doesn't mean his return is likely either. But the Browns should have enough security in the four quarterbacks already active. Why hold out hope on what would already be a risk to bring Watson back?

Perhaps they want to squeeze any value they can out of what has been a horrible investment. Frankly, all parties would be best served playing it safe and looking ahead to next season.