There will be no quarterback controversy for the Cleveland Browns once Deshaun Watson returns from his 11-game suspension, regardless of how well Jacoby Brissett plays.

Brissett has been solid — albeit a bit uneven — in his four starts for the Browns as a placeholder for Watson, causing some light debate about the team needing to make a decision if he keeps them in playoff contention.

But that’s not a situation the Browns are even willing to entertain, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Jacoby Brissett has played well for the most in the absence of Deshaun Watson, but Watson will be the Browns starting quarterback as soon as he’s eligible on Dec. 4th regardless of Brissett’s performance.

The Browns didn’t trade a net of five draft picks — including three first-rounders — and pay Watson a fully-guaranteed $230 million to keep him on the bench when he’s reinstated on Nov. 28 after his 11-game suspension under the personal conduct policy.

Part of the issue with Watson is rust, which was fairly visible in his only preseason action against the Jaguars. He played just three possessions without many of the team’s starters but notched just seven yards on 1 of 5 passing.

Watson did not play a snap last season with the Texans as his legal case unfolded. However, his potential as a franchise quarterback is well-documented. Prior to sitting out, he had a trio of Pro Bowl seasons, including a career year in 2020, when he passed for a league-high 4,823 yards with 33 touchdowns and just seven interceptions.