Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is dealing with a minor legal matter ahead of his return to the field. 

Watson, who is set to make his first start in nearly two years on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, entered a not guilty plea to a speeding ticket on Wednesday, according to Fox 8 Cleveland.

Watson was pulled over by the Ohio State Highway Patrol on Aug. 26 on I-480 in Cleveland and issued a ticket for allegedly driving 86 in a 60-mile-per-hour zone. The plea comes just days before Cleveland opens its 2026 season on the road in Jacksonville.

Deshaun Watson’s return comes after long absence

The speeding incident took place the day before the Browns wrapped up their preseason on Aug. 27 against the New England Patriots. Watson did not play in that game, as the Browns played Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green one half each at quarterback. The Wednesday in question was an off day for the team following a Tuesday practice.

Watson has not started a game since tearing his Achilles in a Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024. Sunday’s game against the Jaguars will mark his first regular-season action in that span, with Shedeur Sanders serving as his backup to begin the season. 

What the Browns need from Deshaun Watson in 2026

The Browns are hoping Watson can regain any hint of the form he showed as a Pro Bowl quarterback in 2020. It’s not expected to be anything close to that level, but a hint of success at the quarterback position from Watson would do the Browns offense good. Cleveland is trying to get the ball to its young playmakers, wide receivers KC Concepción and Denzel Boston, and functional quarterback play would go a long way toward unlocking that potential.

The speeding ticket is a minor happening, but it is still notable that Watson entered a not guilty plea just a few days before the Browns play Jacksonville on the road and shortly before the team makes the trip to Florida.