The Cleveland Browns may consider parting ways with quarterback Deshaun Watson if he disappoints again next season.
According to Bleacher Report, Watson is among the top quarterbacks who could leave after the 2024 season. Despite a significant financial commitment in Watson, the Browns may try to move in a different way due to his inability to stay on the field and poor performance.
A trade would be the only viable option for the Browns. Cutting Watson next season would result in a dead cap of about $137 million. Cleveland could also decide to keep Watson on the roster but give him some meaningful competition.
Browns says Deshaun Watson looks ‘normal’
Watson’s performance is crucial for the Browns to achieve their Super Bowl goals. Cleveland hopes Watson can recover from season-ending shoulder surgery and appear like the Pro Bowl quarterback he was in Houston.
In limited action with the Browns, Watson has passed for 2,217 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. He is working hard to return to the field and has taken part in limited OTAs and minicamps. The Browns have been happy with what they have seen thus far.
“I’ve gotten to see him throw throughout the course of this rehab, I don’t know when it was, but a while back he looked very normal to me,” Kevin Stefanski, the Browns coach, said. “So that looked normal to me.”
Watson threw a spectacular long pass to Elijah Moore during 7-on-7 drills on the last day of mandatory minicamp on Thursday, June 13. It fell short, but it was still an encouraging sign from Watson. Stefanski wasn’t surprised.
“I have seen him throw. “That’s the first time this week in a 7-on-7 setting,” Stefanski explained. “But what we’ve been able to put him through as part of his recovery has helped him let go, so to speak. So it wasn’t unexpected to see him do that.
Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson doesn’t want to play ‘hesitant’
Watson’s two shoulder problems limited his playing time last season. Despite his recent shoulder difficulties, Watson expects mobility and improvisation with his legs to remain important aspects of his game.
“I want to maintain and play for longevity. “But we just got to play football,” Watson stated on June 11. “I can’t play hesitantly; I have to do what I have to do, and I need to understand that the hits I absorb add up. So, you know, you have to be clever about it.”
Despite starting five different quarterbacks last season, the Browns made it to the postseason. Cleveland appears to be better prepared if Watson is absent for an extended period. The organization has signed Jameis Winston, the former No. 1 overall pick, to serve as Watson’s backup. Tyler Huntley, a veteran, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a second-year quarterback, are also in the mix.
Leave a Reply