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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has not spoken with the media in over a year.

Deshaun Watson was present but did not speak after the first day of voluntary minicamp.

All eyes were on the Browns’ quarterbacks as they got on the field for the first of three practices. Watson, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders were all in attendance. Sanders and Watson took the first-team reps, while Gabriel mostly worked with the backups.

After practice, Sanders and Gabriel both spoke with the assembled media. Watson was notably unavailable to answer questions. It’s been more than a year since he’s done so. That didn’t sit well with some.

“If Deshaun doesn’t want to speak in front of the media or he doesn’t want to speak before the fans because his feelings are hurt because of what’s transpired, then ask for your release. Get out of town,” Nick Wilson of 92.3 The Fan said. “If you want to be the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns, you have to speak to the media. Shedeur is out here.”

NFL insider Albert Breer stressed that Watson speaking and making a good impression will be key for him moving forward.

“I think, to some degree, it feels like that relationship between the media, the city and Deshaun has been broken a little bit. I think there’s an opportunity to rebuild that now,” Breer said. “Nobody is expecting a lot heading into the final year of his contract. But maybe this is where he can turn his career around. I do think he can make his life easier if he starts to rebuild some of those relationships.”

Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders Comment on Deshaun Watson

Despite being sidelined last season, Watson remained a steady presence in the quarterback room during the rookie campaigns of Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, offering veteran insight that carried weight given his Pro Bowl résumé. Now back in the mix for the starting job, the dynamic has naturally shifted — but the respect hasn’t.

Both Sanders and Gabriel still lean on Watson’s experience as they navigate their development.

“He’s a vet. He did a lot. He accomplished a lot in his career, obviously,” Sanders said. “So, when I have questions about certain things, I ask him, ‘what you think about this?’ And I just like hearing his perspective on problems that I could have or the way how I think about things.”

Gabriel echoed that sentiment.

“Deshaun’s a great dude. Great person to learn from. And just he’s got a lot of knowledge. So anytime you can ask questions, I think that’s to anyone, you can learn from him.”

Browns QB Deshaun Watson Facing Pressure

Watson is entering the final year of the fully guaranteed $230 million deal he signed with the Browns following his arrival in 2022 via a blockbuster trade. He’s appeared in just 19 games, going 9-10 in those starts.

If he hopes to extend his NFL career, much will hinge on his ability to win the starting job and return to the field this season to prove he can still perform as a viable quarterback.

The reviews so far on Watson have been positive.

“Ball’s coming out great. Looks great,” Browns coach Todd Monken said. “He moved around great. And the ball came out great.”

Padless reps offer only a glimpse. The real evaluation begins when the pads come on — and for Watson, that test carries added weight after three surgeries in two years on his shoulder and Achilles.