Browns Develop Rookie QBs with Injured Watson's Support

Deshaun Watson, despite not having played this season due to an Achilles injury, has taken on a significant mentoring role for the Cleveland Browns' rookie quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, helping them with game preparation and coverages. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and head coach Kevin Stefanski have praised Watson's positive impact on Gabriel's development, who has performed well in games, including a strong showing against the Miami Dolphins. The Browns are facing a unique challenge with two rookie quarterbacks as their QB1 and QB2, requiring all first-team practice reps to be devoted to Gabriel, leaving Sanders without such reps but ready to step in if needed. This strategy has drawn criticism from analysts like Tony Rizzo, who argue that Sanders should receive more preparation, though the Browns prioritize Gabriel as their franchise quarterback prospect. The organization is in a critical phase to determine their quarterback future, especially with two first-round picks coming in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite past regrets over the Watson trade, his current role as a mentor provides valuable support to the developing quarterbacks as the team navigates this transitional period.