Cleveland Browns Face Tough Decisions on Deshaun Watson

In Cleveland, the whispers of discontent are growing louder regarding the team’s decision to trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson. The contract signed with Watson is now being viewed as one of the most controversial moves in NFL history. Despite the fanfare that greeted his arrival, Watson’s performance as the starting quarterback since 2022 has been anything but impressive.

At 29 years old, Watson has struggled significantly, recording some of the lowest stats in the league. As the season heads into Week 7, he holds the dubious title of having the lowest quarterback rating at just 21.6. He has also taken a staggering 31 sacks, the most of any quarterback, and averages merely 5.1 yards per attempt. These statistics paint a troubling picture for the Browns, who are still relying on Watson to lead the team.

Last season, backups Joe Flacco and Jacoby Brissett performed better than Watson, raising questions about his place on the roster. Cleveland decided not to retain Flacco, further solidifying the belief that Watson’s position is less secure than ever. One NFL executive even remarked that “the league would like to see him go away” if he were to become a free agent today, suggesting that a stigma now surrounds Watson.

Looking ahead, the Browns might explore ways to offload Watson’s costly contract. Reports indicate that they could seek a team willing to absorb $30-$40 million in cap hits over the next couple of years, potentially in exchange for multiple premium draft picks. This move could mirror a previous deal where the Browns took on the Brock Osweiler contract, gaining a second-round pick in the process.

As Cleveland navigates this challenging situation, the future of Deshaun Watson remains uncertain. With his struggles under center and mounting criticism, fans and analysts alike are left wondering how much longer he will be the starting quarterback for the Browns.