In 2023, the Cleveland Browns started Deshaun Watson at quarterback. Watson entered the season as the established starter, playing 17 regular-season games and leading the team through a 11–6 record and a Wild Card loss. This profile explains who was the Browns’ quarterback last year, how that status was determined, and how Watson’s role fits into the team’s longer-term quarterback picture. The following sections provide verified details, context on performance and durability, and guidance for understanding roster and coaching decisions.
2023 Season Answer
For the 2023 calendar year and the corresponding NFL season, Deshaun Watson was the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback. He was signed in the offseason, competed for the starting job during training camp, and won the position outright. Watson started all 17 regular-season games and Cleveland’s only playoff game, logging the highest number of snaps and expected plays among Browns quarterbacks in 2023.
What “Last Year” Means in NFL Context
Because the NFL season spans two calendar years (e.g., the 2023 season games occur in 2023 and early 2024), “last year” can refer to either the most recently completed season or the prior calendar year. In common usage, fans and media refer to the team’s most competitive season, which in 2024 discussion is the 2023 season. For continuity, this guide treats “last year” as the 2023 season.
Deshaun Watson’s Role and Availability
Contract and Offseason Acquisition
Watson was acquired in a 2022 trade from the Houston Texans and signed a multiyear extension with Cleveland before the 2023 season. This extension made him the presumptive starter entering training camp and aligned long-term incentives between Watson and the team.
Regular-Season Performance and Durability
Watson started all 17 games and completed the season as the clear leader in attempts, completions, and pass yards. His availability was never in doubt during the year, as he remained healthy and maintained the starting tempo established in camp.
Playoff Start and Season Outcome
Watson also started the Wild Card round loss, completing a majority of his passes before leaving late in the contest. The team’s 11–6 record and single playoff appearance reflected both his presence and the broader roster contributions around him.
Comparative Quarterback Context
In the event of injury or interruption, Cleveland has a structured backup plan featuring experienced signal-callers. Below is a snapshot of the primary quarterbacks on the roster during the 2023 season and their formalized status.
| Quarterback | 2023 Role | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deshaun Watson | Starter | Started all 17 regular-season games and 1 playoff game | Team roster, game logs |
| Joe Flacco | Backup | Active on roster, did not start in 2023 | Team roster, transaction reports |
| Case Keenum | Backup / Situational | Active on roster, limited preseason and practice squad time | Team roster, preseason reports |
Performance Context for Last Year
While this article does not provide play-by-play analysis, it is useful to understand how Watson’s performance shapes the narrative around the Browns’ quarterback last year. Key points include:
- He led the offense in standard formations and was the primary decision-maker on most drives.
- Coaching staff designed game plans to leverage his experience and strengths established over prior seasons.
- Backup quarterbacks remained prepared for situational readiness but did not log meaningful snaps in 2023.
Common Questions and Misunderstandings
Some fans confuse roster moves from earlier years or conflate preseason battles with final roster decisions. As of the conclusion of the 2023 season:
- There was no competition for the starting role during the regular season once training camp ended.
- No midseason trade or injury forced an immediate, permanent change in the starter.
- Future roster plans hinge on Watson’s ongoing recovery and development, not on a vacancy created last year.
Looking Ahead to Future Seasons
Because Watson was the unquestioned starter last year, attention in the current offseason and training camp centers on his continued development, health management, and roster construction. The Browns’ quarterback trajectory for 2024 and beyond will be shaped by how effectively he builds on the 2023 foundation. Fans can expect ongoing evaluation through preseason games, competition in practice, and transparent communication from the front office about roles.
Summary and Key Takeaways
To answer the question directly: Deshaun Watson was the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback last year. He played every game, led the offense, and remained central to the team’s plans throughout the 2023 season. Understanding this in context helps clarify expectations, media narratives, and long-term planning for the franchise.