The Cleveland Browns face a critical juncture in their quarterback strategy following Deshaun Watson's recent Achilles injury. Watson, who joined the team in 2022, has played only 19 games out of a potential 57 due to a combination of injuries and suspension. The Browns had traded three first-round picks for Watson and signed him to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract, betting heavily on his abilities to lead the team. However, the recurrence of a torn right Achilles tendon necessitating a second surgery casts a shadow over his future playing career.
"Recovery time and return to play status is uncertain, and he will likely miss significant time during the 2025 season." – The Cleveland Browns
Financially, the Browns are committed to paying Watson $46 million annually over the next two seasons. They have already restructured his contract multiple times to convert parts of his salary into bonuses. This strategic maneuvering aims to manage their salary cap, which currently projects them over the limit next season. Additionally, an insurance policy embedded in Watson's contract provides cap relief if he is sidelined due to injury, covering $44.2 million of his salary.
Watson's on-field performance since joining the Browns has been lackluster, with a Total QBR of 34.1, placing him just above rookie Will Levis. This performance, combined with his injury setbacks, places the team's quarterback situation under intense scrutiny. With the possibility of Watson missing significant playing time in the coming seasons, the Browns are exploring their options for quarterbacks either through free agency or the draft.
The Browns hold a prime position with the second pick in the upcoming draft, presenting them with valuable choices. General Manager Andrew Berry has highlighted the opportunity to either select a top-tier quarterback or trade back to gather additional picks. This strategic decision is crucial as they assess potential investments in new talents like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders.
Cam Ward emerges as a potential No. 1 draft pick and is seen as a promising candidate to lead the team. Meanwhile, Sanders is considered a better fit for Head Coach Kevin Stefanski's offensive strategies and could quickly adapt to Cleveland’s playing style. As Berry acknowledged, the quarterback room will likely undergo significant changes by 2025.
The Browns' current predicament necessitates careful consideration of their options moving forward. While Watson's contract limits their financial flexibility, restructuring his 2025 salary remains a possibility. Meanwhile, the team must decide whether to capitalize on their draft position or allocate resources differently to secure the best talent available.
Leave a Reply