Deshaun Watson is taking most first-team reps at Browns OTAs — and his new coach says the athleticism is 'a superpower'

BEREA, Ohio — Browns coach Todd Monken had no idea what to expect from Deshaun Watson when the offseason program began on April 6. But with organized team activities getting underway Tuesday, Monken couldn’t be happier with where his possible starting quarterback stands both physically and mentally. In the thick of a quarterback battle with Shedeur Sanders, Watson took most of the first-team reps on on the second day of OTAs Wednesday -- the only session of the week open to the media -- and has been doing so on a regular basis, sources say. Before the offseason program began last month, Monken’s only encounter with Watson was when he stopped into the Browns facility once after Monken was hired in late January. Soon thereafter, Watson began throwing in South Florida with his private quarterbacks coach Quincy Avery, with several of the Browns receivers joining him there, including Jerry Jeudy, Isaiah Bond, and Jamari Thrash. Meanwhile, second-year pro Shedeur Sanders remained in Cleveland for most of the offseason, learning the new playbook and getting to know Monken, whom he greeted on his first day in the office. Sanders also famously bought Monken a porcelain horse’s head for his 60th birthday. So while Monken discovered Sanders’ playful side and upbeat personality, he had no relationship yet with Watson, who’s coming off back-to-back Achilles surgeries, a shoulder surgery, and an 11-game suspension by the NFL under its personal conduct policy. Granted, the last time Monken saw Watson play up close, he was storming out of the locker room in Baltimore to lead the Browns to a 33-30 come-from-behind victory over Monken’s Ravens on Nov. 12, 2023. What’s more, he did so on a fractured shoulder and ankle injury, and was shut down for the season the next day because of the shoulder. He was also well aware of Watson’s national championship days at Clemson, and his three Pro Bowl and playoff campaigns with the Texans. He knew what he was capable of, but not so much about where he stood following his four tumultuous seasons here. Watson also turned 30 in September, and it was anyone’s guess how he might move, run and throw after the three surgeries and exiting his 20s. But Monken, who’s well-versed in the spread and Air Raid concepts that Watson has excelled in, has been pleasantly surprised by all things Watson in their past seven weeks together. “Deshaun’s athleticism shows up,” Monken said. “Obviously he’s had that, but he’s had his injuries that have set him back. I wouldn’t say a surprise, but it’s exciting to see. It’s a weapon for him. It’s one of his superpowers is that athleticism.” He noted that all of his dealings with Watson have been positive, which tracks with the rest of the organization’s view of him since his second Achilles surgery in January of 2025. Watson spent all of last season with the team, helping to mentor Sanders and 2025 third-round pick Dillon Gabriel. Former quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave even said last season he didn’t know what they would’ve done without him. “He’s been great,” Monken said. “I mean, I think everybody would say it. I’m all for a clean slate. I want the best for every player that we have, every coach. I want the best for anybody in this world to have a great life. I think it’s really cool that he still has an opportunity with a change to showcase his ability to see where he’s at. I’m all for it.” He acknowledged how remarkable it is that Watson still wants to be elite after a four-year span that would’ve cost most quarterbacks their career. “I think it’s really cool,” Monken said. “I know I’ve said that like five times today, but here’s a guy that really at this point has made plenty of money. I think we all know that, right? He’s had plenty of success and has had disappointment in his career. A number of things he couldn’t control from an injury standpoint. But to come back and want to battle, want to further his career and change the narrative, I think it’s really cool.” From top to bottom, the Browns appear poised to let Watson have a chance to salvage something from the blockbuster trade with the Texans and his five-year, fully-guaranteed $230 million salary. He’s in the final year of the deal that pays him $46 million a year, and the Browns are hoping for some return on investment. Monken said Wednesday that “nothing’s changed” in the quarterback competition and that they’ll let Watson and Sanders continue to compete and let it play out. But signs are pointing to Watson having a chance to start and get his career back on track. “He’s got nothing to lose,” Browns co-owner JW Johnson told ESPN Cleveland last month. “And if he’s our starting quarterback, I know that there are people that probably won’t be supportive, but they should need to be supportive as much as they can. And if he plays great, then awesome. If he doesn’t, then it is what it is, and we’re looking ahead to the future.” The Browns know that Watson is a lightning rod for criticism among fans, and that Sanders is incredibly popular. They also know that fans seemed to like Watson just fine when he came out of that locker room to help beat the Ravens. So far, Watson has exceeded the expectations of his new head coach, who had idea which version of the QB would show up on the doorstep April 6.