In a move that stunned the NFL, the Cleveland Browns made a historic gamble by acquiring quarterback Deshaun Watson before the 2022 season. The deal, which involved trading away three first-round picks, was just the tip of the iceberg. The Browns then signed Watson to a groundbreaking five-year, $230 million contract, fully guaranteed, setting a new precedent in the NFL.
A rocky road since the acquisition
Fast forward to over a year and a half later, and the Browns‘ ambitious move seems to be faltering. Watson‘s debut season in 2022 was marred by an 11-game suspension linked to allegations of sexual misconduct. When he did take to the field, his performance was lackluster, with a 58% completion rate over six games. The 2023 season has seen a continuation of this trend, with inconsistent performances blended with injuries. Despite a notable comeback in Week 10 against the Ravens, Watson’s overall output has been underwhelming compared to his Houston Texans era.
The financial issue
Watson, once seen as a potential long-term NFL star, now poses a financial dilemma for the Browns. With a salary that ranks him among the top-paid quarterbacks, his lack of on-field impact is magnified, especially compared to others who have either won NFL MVPs or appeared in Super Bowls. This raises a pressing question for Browns fans: Is there a way out of Watson‘s controversial contract?
Unfortunately, the answer seems bleak. Releasing Watson post-2023 would result in a catastrophic financial loss, estimated at over $136.9 million. The structure of Watson’s fully guaranteed contract, carefully negotiated to include contingencies for his suspension, means that the earliest realistic release, without immense financial repercussions, would be in 2026.
The trade dilemma
Trading Watson presents its own set of challenges, requiring another team to take on his hefty contract and associated baggage. Given the current landscape, a move seems unlikely. The Browns, therefore, find themselves in a bind. Their decision to acquire and extend Watson has locked them into a financial and strategic corner.
If Watson fails to regain his top form, the Browns face the unenviable prospect of having the most expensive backup quarterback in NFL history. Such a scenario would also require finding a viable starting quarterback alternative, a difficult task given the significant financial resources already committed to Watson. It raises further questions about balancing the team’s budget across other crucial positions.
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