NFL·ANALYSIS·September 9, 2026 02:38 PM ET

Deshaun Watson enters final contract year with Browns

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Sep 91 min read

Could Deshaun Watson being in the final year of his contract with low external expectations be as liberating for him as Via @RuiterWrongFAN on X

What happened: Todd Monken picked Watson as Cleveland's Week 1 starter on Aug. 24.

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Why it matters: Low external expectations do not establish whether Watson will play with greater freedom.

What to watch: Watson's opening performance will provide the first regular-season test of Monken's quarterback choice.

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