Deshaun Watson participated in the Cleveland Browns’ first day of voluntary minicamp on Tuesday, marking a significant step in his return to the field following nearly two years of injury setbacks. Under the leadership of new head coach Todd Monken, the veteran quarterback showcased the athleticism and arm strength that defined his early career before multiple surgeries sidelined him.

The session on April 21 provided the first look at Watson since he underwent surgery on his throwing shoulder and two separate Achilles repairs. Observers noted that the three-time Pro Bowler appeared sharp during early drills, where he was the first player to rotate through most exercises. Despite the physical hurdles of the past season, Watson demonstrated consistent agility and ball security throughout the two-hour session.

The quarterback depth chart remains a point of focus for Cleveland as the team enters a new era under Monken. Watson is currently competing for the starting position against second-year quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, both of whom have previous starting experience with the franchise.

During the five team periods held on the first day, the coaching staff distributed reps among the three signal-callers. Sanders took the opening first-team snaps of the day and led two team periods. However, Watson led three of the five periods and finished the day with fewer turnovers than the younger quarterbacks. Gabriel saw a more limited role, receiving reps only during the third and fourth periods of the afternoon.

This return to football follows a period of transition for Watson both on and off the field. Since joining the Browns in 2022, he has appeared in 19 games due to a combination of league suspension and injuries. In February 2026, the final two civil lawsuits against him were dismissed, and in March, the organization restructured his contract for a fourth time to create approximately $44.7 million in salary cap flexibility.

As voluntary workouts continue, the competition for the starting role is expected to intensify. While Sanders received a high volume of reps on Tuesday, the efficiency displayed by Watson suggests a closely contested battle for the QB1 spot heading into the 2026 season.