Deshaun Watson's Uncertain Future: Can the Cleveland Browns Recover from Their Costly Gamble?
Exploring the fallout of the Browns' failed Deshaun Watson trade, his injury struggles, and what's next for the franchise.
The High-Stakes Gamble That Backfired
Cleveland Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam made a startling admission at the NFL's annual meetings last week: "We took a big swing-and-miss with Deshaun." This marked the first public acknowledgment from the organization that their blockbuster 2022 trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson has failed spectacularly.
The Cost of Failure
The Browns gave up:
- Three first-round draft picks (2022, 2023, 2024)
- A 2022 third-round pick
- 2023 and 2024 fourth-round picks
In return, they received:
- A quarterback whose 34.2 Total QBR ranks second-worst among qualified passers since joining Cleveland
- Just 12 starts over three seasons
- Mounting injuries including two Achilles tears
Injury Woes Compound Problems
Watson's Cleveland tenure has been marred by:
- 2022: 11-game suspension to start season
- 2023: Season-ending shoulder surgery after 6 games
- 2024: Ruptured Achilles after just 7 starts
- 2025: Second Achilles surgery, likely missing entire season
The Financial Quagmire
Watson's unprecedented fully guaranteed $230 million contract creates a nightmare scenario:
- $173 million in remaining cap hits
- $46 million annual salary through 2026
- Potential record $135 million dead cap charge if cut after 2025
Potential Exit Strategies
| Scenario | Cap Implications |
|---|---|
| Cut in 2025 | $173M dead cap (single-season NFL record) |
| Post-June 1 2026 cut | $135M split over 2026-27 |
| Play out contract | $81M cap hit in 2026 |
Drafting the Future
With the No. 2 overall pick, Cleveland may target:
- Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)
- Cam Ward (Miami)
- J.J. McCarthy (Michigan)
General Manager Andrew Berry stated: "The position room will skew young as we again attempt to find our elusive franchise quarterback."
League Perspectives on Watson's Future
NFC Executive: "If released, I don't see anyone picking him up... would he even be motivated to play?"
NFL Agent: "The league is forgiving with quarterbacks that have exhibited high-level talent. A team could take a chance if he proves healthy."
The Long Road Ahead
The Browns face:
- Immediate QB competition between Kenny Pickett and a potential rookie
- Years of cap constraints from Watson's deal
- Continued scrutiny over their evaluation process
As Jimmy Haslam summarized: "We need to see what Deshaun's health situation is before we make a decision." But with each passing month, that decision seems increasingly clear.
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