Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes have established a successful culture on the Kansas City Chiefs, making their team one of the most attractive destinations in the NFL. In fact, a former Cleveland Browns wide receiver believes it could be the ideal place for Deshaun Watson to revitalize his career.
Speaking to Ed Easton Jr. of Chiefs Wire, Steve Sanders suggested Watson should back up Mahomes on the Chiefs not only to learn from the 2x NFL MVP, but also from Reid, to eventually succeed elsewhere as a starting quarterback.
“I think Deshaun Watson goes to a team where he can probably sit behind the starter [and] learn a little bit, similar to let’s say, what Geno Smith did with Russell Wilson,” said Sanders, who currently works as a camp director for US Sports Camps. “Eventually, the talent you develop and his confidence will return. Because I think his confidence was shaken a lot.
“He’s overcoming some injuries, but I could see Andy Reid taking a flyer on Watson and bringing him in as a backup quarterback. Maybe he won’t take over for Mahomes. Still, with the experience and confidence he gets in playing with, developing, and being in meetings with Andy Reid and Mahomes, he’ll be ready to go to another team after a year or two and succeed.”
Browns missing injured Watson for significant time
Watson, 29, is missing the start of the 2025 NFL season after tearing his right Achilles tendon last year. The Browns are entering the new campaign with Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco, but a rookie could also join the QB room in the Draft.
While Watson might be out for much of the upcoming 2024 NFL season, he could still be cleared to return before the campaign comes to an end. Browns general manager Andrew Berry prefers to be cautious, though.
“It’s too early to say,” Berry said. “I can say Deshaun has done a great job of rehabbing. He’s been in every day. He’s progressing and that’s really our focus, but it’s too early to say.”
Watson warns his critics
The Browns made a huge investment by signing Watson to a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed deal in 2022, a decision that franchise owner Jimmy Haslam recently appeared to regret.
However, the three-time Pro Bowler recently posted an Instagram video working out, vowing to silence his doubters: “Everyone is doubting me. Everyone don’t believe in me. Everyone don’t think I can get back to where I was. But I know, and I believe the work that I put in, that I believe in myself… I know, I’m gonna be way better than before.”
Reid, Chiefs have Mahomes’ backup for 2025
Either way, Sanders’ dream scenario of Watson working with Reid and Mahomes in Kansas City would have to wait at least until 2026. Not only is Deshaun recovering from injury, but the Chiefs already have their backup to Mahomes.
This offseason, the Chiefs brought an experienced alternative in Gardner Minshew, who recently played for AFC West rivals Las Vegas Raiders. The 28-year-old is filling the hole left by Carson Wentz, who remains without a team after hitting the open market in March.
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Minshew is on a one-year contract though, so who knows. If Watson accepts taking a back seat as well as a significant pay cut in the future, then he could be a great backup for Mahomes.