Deshaun Watson watched as the Cleveland Browns added multiple young prospects to their quarterback room during the 2025 NFL Draft. First, Dillon Gabriel was drafted out of Oregon in the third round, and then Shedeur Sanders‘ slide came to an end courtesy of the AFC North franchise in the fifth round.

Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho suggested that Shedeur Sanders' unexpected draft slide could turn into a hidden opportunity and possibly impact Deshaun Watson's future in Cleveland.

Not only was Cleveland's call on Gabriel a comment on Sanders, it was also indicative of how the Browns feel about Deshaun Watson. Watson still has two years remaining on his $230 million contract and continues to rehabilitate a twice-torn Achilles tendon, which could sideline him for part, or all, of the 2025 campaign.