Based on the wiki info, it's far from a sure thing. Watson's "proven talents" date back to 2020 — he hasn't looked like that player since. In his last seven games (2024), he posted just 5.3 yards per attempt, which Sal Vetri called "pitiful" and said "everything just stunk for him" — .
The competition with rookie Shedeur Sanders is deadlocked. At late May OTAs, Watson had an early edge, but by mandatory minicamp (June 10-11), reps were split evenly and coach Todd Monken refused to name a starter — saying he needs to see full pads and preseason games. A particularly concerning sign: Monken used the word "embarrassing" to describe interceptions Watson threw in seven-on-seven drills (from the Deshaun Watson page).
Watson says he's fully healthy for the first time since his 2023 shoulder injury, but even he admitted he can't "rewind the clock back" to his 2020 MVP form. His past pedigree might keep him in the mix, but right now, the job is genuinely up for grabs heading into training camp.