Watson has only thrown for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and 465 rushing yards and three scores in a Browns uniform. What’s worse is he’s only played 19 games for the Browns, mainly due to injuries and an 11-game suspension in 2022 for violating the NFL’s personal-conduct policy.
Browns Offensive Coordinator Highlights Deshaun Watson’s Positive Influence on Dillon Gabriel
Posted October 24, 2025
eshaun Watson has not sniffed the field this year, and may never put on a Cleveland Browns uniform ever again. But he is having an impact on their offense and rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, specifically.
Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees opened up about Watson’s impact on Gabriel’s development through his first NFL season, including his first NFL win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
Watson, of course, reinjured his Achilles tendon in January, which prompted the Browns to overhaul their quarterbacks room. Watson has been pushing to make a return, yet Gabriel has played well since taking over for Joe Flacco after the 40-year-old was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Deshaun Watson’s Relationship With Dillon Gabriel Has ‘Really Been Positive’
Watson may not seem like an ideal mentor for a 24-year-old based on his catastrophic fall from grace. But according to Rees, Watson’s presence has been beneficial on the first-time NFL starter.
“He goes out of his way to help him talk through some coverages, talk through things like that,” Rees said.
Whatever you want to say about Watson’s controversial, injury-marred tenure with the Browns, Watson sure could play the quarterback position when healthy. He made the Pro Bowl three times as a member of the Houston Texans before they traded him to Cleveland for three first-round picks.
Plus, whatever Gabriel has gotten from Watson has worked. Gabriel has not yet thrown an interception in three starts, tossing three touchdowns while completing 72.2 percent of his 18 passes against the Dolphins in the rain Sunday.
Plus, whatever Rees is seeing has been backed up by coach Kevin Stefanski.
“He’s doing a great job at rehabbing, good job in meetings,” Stefanski said last week of Watson.
Deshaun Watson Is Unlikely To Play This Year — and May Never Suit Up For The Browns Again
This is the fourth of Watson’s fully guaranteed five-year, $235 million contract, which means fans who have been counting down the days until his contract expires are getting closer to freedom.
The Browns will owe Watson an appalling $80 million-plus in dead money if they release him after June 1, according to Over The Cap. Yet, if they also release him after June 1, that dead cap hit will be spread over his void years.
But with Gabriel on an entry-level contract of a third-round pick, plus Shedeur Sanders backing him up and Myles Garrett locked into a huge deal, the Browns could swing that deal to rid themselves of Watson’s stench — particularly since his contract is untradeable.
Or the Browns could decide simply to suck up Watson as the highest-paid backup quarterback in NFL history — even more so than Kirk Cousins with the Atlanta Falcons this year — then be rid of the Watson mistake rather than compounding it through the rest of the 2027 season.
Geno Smith Doesn’t Give Up: "Failure is a Valuable Lesson, Success Will Come When We Keep Pushing"
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is no stranger to adversity. After a challenging start to the season, Smith’s resilience has been on full display as he continues to push forward with an unwavering commitment to his team, his fans, and his own personal growth. In a recent reflection, Smith shared his mindset on handling setbacks and how every failure is an opportunity to learn and grow.
“Mùa giải này không hề dễ dàng, nhưng tôi không bao giờ từ bỏ. Mỗi thất bại, mỗi trận đấu không như ý đều là một bài học quý giá. Tôi biết rằng để thành công, tôi cần phải tiếp tục làm việc chăm chỉ, không ngừng hoàn thiện bản thân và đội bóng. Dù đối mặt với thử thách lớn, tôi luôn giữ niềm tin vào khả năng của mình và khả năng phục hồi của đội. Tôi tin rằng nếu chúng tôi không ngừng nỗ lực, kết quả sẽ đến, và khi nó đến, nó sẽ xứng đáng với mọi cố gắng," Smith said.
Turning Setbacks into Lessons
For Smith, the challenges faced this season have only strengthened his resolve. Every defeat or setback is a lesson that pushes him to work harder and focus more on improvement. This attitude reflects the kind of leadership that has helped him bounce back from previous struggles, both in his career and in his personal life.
Smith’s philosophy goes beyond just focusing on the game itself; it’s about personal development and team cohesion. "I know that to succeed, I need to keep working hard, constantly improving myself and the team. It’s about building something together," Smith added. The quarterback understands that every small improvement adds up to a bigger picture of success. It’s about staying committed to the process, no matter how difficult it may seem.
Belief in His Team
Despite the ongoing challenges, Smith remains confident in his own ability and the Seahawks’ collective potential. "I always keep faith in my abilities and in the team’s ability to bounce back," Smith said. His belief in the team’s resilience is a reflection of the leadership role he has embraced, even when things are tough.
In the face of a tough season, Smith’s confidence and ability to remain positive are infectious. His leadership style has earned him the respect of his teammates, who look to him as a role model of perseverance. He’s demonstrated that success is not just about physical ability but also about mental toughness and the willingness to continue pushing forward, no matter what the scoreboard says.
Looking Ahead
With a season still ahead, Geno Smith’s words remind us that every game is an opportunity to improve. The Seahawks, under Smith’s leadership, are not backing down from the challenge. As Smith continues to focus on growth, both individually and as a team, he remains confident that success will follow.
"I believe that if we don’t stop working hard, the results will come," Smith concluded. His resolve to keep pushing, even in the face of adversity, embodies the very essence of what it takes to be a leader in the NFL.
As the Seahawks move forward, Geno Smith’s determination and leadership will continue to play a crucial role in their efforts to turn their season around. His mentality—of learning from every setback and trusting the process—will undoubtedly inspire his teammates as they continue their quest for victory.
