The Cleveland Browns are in the center of attention once again as Deshaun Watson’s struggles continue to dominate headlines in American football. The team’s inconsistent performance, especially on offense, has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. Much of the blame has been pointed towards quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has been underperforming so far this season.
Through six games, Watson has only managed to throw for 1,050 yards, with five touchdowns and three interceptions. Shockingly, he has failed to surpass 200 passing yards in a single game this season. With such poor stats, the pressure is mounting on Watson to turn things around and lead the Browns to victory.
As the season progresses, the Browns are quickly running out of time to salvage their playoff hopes. The team’s fate hangs in the balance, and much will depend on Deshaun Watson’s ability to step up and deliver when it matters most.
The ongoing struggles of Watson have put the organization at a crossroads, with many questioning the wisdom of the Browns’ decision to invest heavily in the quarterback. Currently ranked 28th among NFL quarterbacks, Watson’s performance has fallen well below expectations, as reflected by his abysmal QBR of 21.7, the worst in the league.
Cutting Watson would be a monumental financial setback for the Browns, as they would be forced to absorb a massive cap hit of nearly $99.8 million. This would account for approximately 36% of their projected salary cap for the following year. Even if the Browns decide to keep Watson for another season, releasing him post-2025 would still result in a substantial cap hit of $72.9 million.
The decision to retain or release Watson will have far-reaching consequences for the Browns. If his lackluster performance continues, the prospects for a playoff run look increasingly dim. As of now, if the season were to end today, the Browns would hold the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, giving them a prime opportunity to select a new quarterback.
Mock drafts currently have Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, as a top candidate for the Browns in the upcoming draft. The pressure is on for the Browns to make the right decision regarding Deshaun Watson and secure a brighter future for the franchise.
