How could we ever forget the infamous Deshaun Watson contract the Cleveland Browns offered him in 2022? When the Browns traded for the quarterback, they signed him to a five-year, $230 million deal. It's hands down one of the worst contracts ever given in NFL history.
Watson only played in six games in 2022 because of a suspension he served because of 22 sexual assault allegations filed against him the year prior. In '23, Watson once again only played in six games, this time because of injuries. In '24, Watson played in seven games before tearing his Achilles, which caused him to miss the entire 2025 season.
This year, Watson started in the first four games of the Browns' season, going 3-1 in that span. His five-year deal officially ends after the 2026 season, and all signs were leading towards the Browns releasing him in the offseason. However, since the quarterback has been playing pretty well to start the season, Cleveland may reconsider keeping him on long-term.
According to Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns are contemplating keeping Watson because of his teamwork with new coach Todd Monken, also because of his strong relationships with the front office and ownership. Additionally, Cabot reported that the Browns would aim to keep Watson if he leads the Browns to the playoffs this season. It would be the first time since the 2023 season in which the Browns made the playoffs, if Watson can pull it off.
The season is still early. Keeping Watson might not be the best idea, if the Browns think about it right now in the season. Watson's tenure in Cleveland has been anything but productive, and it's time for the Browns to move on from him.
And, it's not like they don't have options at starting quarterback. Remember the whole controversy of who would be QB1 last season? Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel battled for their chance to start while veteran Joe Flacco led the team with Watson out.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
