The Cleveland Browns are heading into an offseason dominated by one major question: what to do about their quarterback situation. With the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft, many believe the Browns should select a top quarterback prospect, such as Miami’s Cam Ward. However, the situation isn’t that simple.
Deshaun Watson remains under contract through 2026. Even with a recent restructuring of his deal, cutting him after June 1 would still result in a $119 million dead cap hit for Cleveland. While some argue the Browns should move on from Watson regardless of the financial implications, ESPN insiders Jeremy Fowler and Daniel Oyefusi report that Watson is likely to remain with the team for at least one more season.
“The leaguewide expectation is that the Browns will keep Watson another year and create competition with a veteran quarterback or a draft pick, putting pressure on him to earn the starting role,” Fowler and Oyefusi explained. Team sources reportedly see this scenario—Watson competing for the QB1 spot in training camp—as a realistic possibility.
Despite Watson’s struggles, there’s still belief within the NFL that he can be a starting-caliber quarterback under the right circumstances.
“If his mindset is right, he has the athleticism and arm talent to win a quarterback competition in no time,” an NFL coordinator said.
Watson, however, faces an uphill battle. He tore his Achilles on October 20 and was already underperforming before the injury. In seven starts this season, the 29-year-old threw for 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions, completing 63.4 percent of his passes with a passer rating of 79.
Since joining the Browns in 2022, Watson has played in just 19 games due to injuries and a suspension, totaling 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions during that time.
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