Browns' Deshaun Watson speaks for first time since 2024 injury: 'I'm great mentally'

The Cleveland Browns made a massive blockbuster trade for Deshaun Watson a few years ago, and it's gone horribly wrong. He tore his Achilles tendon in 2024, missed the remainder of the season, and then missed all of 2025 due to another Achilles injury.

Now, heading into 2026, Watson is in a quarterback competition with Shedeur Sanders, with both QBs vying for the starting job in Todd Monken's offense.

For the first time since that 2024 Achilles injury, Watson spoke to Leah Doherty of Cleveland 19 News, among other reporters, on Wednesday after mandatory minicamp, revealing, "I'm great mentally," amid a lengthy update on his status coming into 2026.

Deshaun Watson in first comments since 2024 injury: 'I'm great mentally'

"I'm great mentally," Watson said. "I'm in a great space. My home is good, my wife is doing a heck of a job,  just working each and every day mentally to just stay on top of what we need to stay on top of. So I appreciate her, I appreciate the staff and the organization for always having my back... Yeah, I'm in a good space, enjoying myself out here, enjoying my teammates, new coaching staff. So, I'm in a great space."

“I’m great mentally.”#Browns QB Deshaun Watson on how he’s feeling headed into the final year of his contract pic.twitter.com/FxEcjAyVt7

It's been nearly two years since Watson spoke to reporters, as his 2024 injury that cut his season short was the last time he revealed his thoughts on his status on the team.

These first comments after well over a year away from his last public comments paint a picture of how things are going and where his headspace is heading into 2026.

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He's grateful for the support of the Browns and his wife, and is also enjoying being back on the field and working with his new teammates and the new coaching staff.

Watson is getting the chance to throw to a new cast of receivers this year, with Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion joining the new-look offense.

Since Watson missed all of 2025, this year is his first chance to throw to Harold Fannin Jr. and have both Dylan Sampson and Quinshon Judkins in the backfield.

Watson's comments make it clear he's grateful to be back on the field for the Browns, and that he's in a great spot mentally heading into the 2026 NFL season.

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• Harold Fannin Jr. will need to prove his worth in Todd Monken’s Browns offense
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