The Cleveland Browns find themselves at a crossroads with quarterback Deshaun Watson, whose future with the team remains shrouded in doubt. At a recent press conference, Browns general manager Andrew Berry offered little clarity on the situation, refusing to commit to Watson as the franchise’s long-term solution under center.
A Rocky Tenure
Since arriving in Cleveland via a blockbuster trade in 2022, Watson’s tenure has been marred by controversy and disappointment. The former Pro Bowler served an 11-game suspension in his first season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, stemming from allegations of sexual misconduct during his time with the Houston Texans.
On the field, Watson has struggled to live up to the massive expectations that accompanied his fully guaranteed $230 million contract. In 19 starts with the Browns, he has posted a mediocre 9-10 record while ranking among the league’s least efficient passers.
Another Season Cut Short
Watson’s 2024 campaign came to a premature end last month when he suffered a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon. The injury marked the second consecutive year in which the quarterback failed to finish the season, further casting doubt on his long-term durability and reliability.
Really our focus with Deshaun, I would say for any player with a season-ending injury and a major injury, is first and foremost with the recovery and to make sure that he gets healthy from the achilles injury.
– Browns GM Andrew Berry
When pressed on Watson’s future with the team, Berry remained noncommittal, stating that the organization’s primary concern is the quarterback’s recovery from his Achilles injury. The GM’s evasive response has only fueled speculation about Watson’s standing within the franchise.
Offensive Woes
Watson’s struggles have been symptomatic of a larger issue plaguing the Browns’ offense. Prior to his injury, Cleveland had managed just a 1-5 record while failing to eclipse the 20-point mark in any game. Berry, however, was quick to deflect blame from the embattled signal-caller.
We haven’t played well as a team and we haven’t played well as a unit on offense. Often times when you don’t play well on offense, obviously your starting quarterback and your play-caller will get the most criticism. But the reality of it is, offenses, it comes down to organization and synchronization. There’s just a lot of shared ownership across the different position groups in terms of why we didn’t perform.
– Browns GM Andrew Berry
A Divided Fanbase
Watson’s arrival in Cleveland was met with a mixed reaction from the team’s passionate fanbase. Some were thrilled by the prospect of adding a top-tier talent at the game’s most important position, while others expressed concern over his off-field baggage and the massive financial commitment required to secure his services.
The divide among Browns fans reached a boiling point last month when a segment of the crowd cheered Watson’s injury, drawing the ire of his teammates. The incident underscored the fractured relationship between the quarterback and a significant portion of the fanbase.
Contract Implications
Complicating matters further is Watson’s substantial contract, which guarantees him $92 million over the next two seasons. The deal’s structure leaves the Browns with limited flexibility to address other roster needs, particularly if Watson fails to elevate his play to a level commensurate with his compensation.
- Watson is owed $46 million in each of the next two seasons
- The Browns face cap hits of $72 million in 2025 and 2026
- The contract has been widely criticized as one of the worst in NFL history
As the Browns navigate an uncertain future with Watson, they must weigh the financial ramifications of moving on from their sizeable investment against the potential on-field and off-field benefits of finding a new direction at quarterback.
An Uncertain Future
With eight games remaining in a disappointing 2024 season, the Browns find themselves at a critical juncture. The coming months will likely determine whether the franchise remains committed to building around Watson or begins to explore alternative paths forward.
For now, the only certainty surrounding Deshaun Watson’s future in Cleveland is the uncertainty itself. As the quarterback works to recover from his latest setback, the Browns must grapple with the consequences of a monumental decision that has thus far failed to yield the desired results.
