Even if the Cleveland Browns would like to get out of the mega-deal they signed Deshaun Watson to prior to the 2022 season, they’re essentially stuck with the quarterback for the foreseeable future.
Watson was abysmal in the Browns’ 33-17 blowout loss in the 2024 season opener and Cleveland has won just eight of his 12 starts since signing him to a full-guaranteed $230 million contract prior to the 2022 campaign.
Sunday afternoon, Watson rarely attempted passes outside the numbers, and struggled mightily when he did, completing a total of 24 of his 45 passing attempts for a meager 169 yards with one touchdown to two interceptions amid a steady barrage of pressure from Micah Parsons and the Cowboys’ defense.
After the Browns made the postseason while playing five different starting quarterbacks, after Watson was lost to a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 6, it would be understandable if Cleveland would want to attempt to get out from underneath the albatross of a contract they signed the 28-year-old quarterback to.
However, there aren’t any reasonable outs in Watson’s contract anytime soon.
Next season, Watson would cost the Browns $172 million in dead money if Cleveland releases him before June 1. Likewise, there is little relief in 2026 because Watson’s dead money charge dips, but only to approximately $99.83 million if he is released prior to June 1.
Since returning from his suspension following credible accusations of sexual misconduct, Watson has tossed only 15 touchdowns to 11 interceptions in 13 games played.
Watson looks like a shell of the quarterback he used to be, the franchise signal caller who led the Houston Texans to the postseason in 2020 while passing for a career-high 4,823 yards that season.
The Browns, though, appear stuck with the decision they made betting that Watson could become that quarterback again. There’s little recent evidence that suggests that’s remotely possible or reasonable chance for the Browns to move off Watson anytime soon.
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