Following the NFL trade deadline, the Cleveland Browns find themselves in a challenging position regarding their quarterback situation.
Despite their struggles this season and Deshaun Watson’s season-ending Achilles injury, the team made no major moves to adjust their roster or offload high salaries.
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What are the Browns options with Watson’s contract?
NFL insider Tom Pelissero provided some insight into the Browns’ strategic options for managing Watson’s fully guaranteed contract, as well as potential quarterback solutions for next season.
The Browns’ general manager, Andrew Berry, refrained from making any definitive statements about Watson’s future with the team but emphasized that Cleveland is focused on his recovery.
“Our focus is on getting him healthy,”Berry said on Wednesday.
When asked if Watson could return as the starting quarterback, he remained vague, saying only, “That’s always possible.”
The Browns currently have Watson under contract through 2026, but cutting or trading him could impose significant financial burdens, leaving the team with limited options.
In an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Pelissero outlined several potential scenarios for the Browns as they navigate Watson’s contract situation.
“One is, just say, ‘we’re paying him anyway, let’s draft a quarterback, sign a quarterback, whatever, let Deshaun come in, it’s an open competition,'” Pelissero explained, suggesting that Cleveland could bring in a new quarterback and make Watson compete for the role.
Given Watson’s recent performance-a 1-6 record as a starter this season-competition might be necessary if the team aims to revitalize its offense.
Another option, Pelissero noted, involves the Browns pursuing a “Brock Osweiler-style trade.”
This approach would mean packaging Watson with additional assets to make a trade more attractive to another team, despite his substantial salary.
This method, however, would require a suitor willing to absorb his remaining contract, something that may be hard to find given Watson’s injury and on-field struggles.
Finally, Pelissero mentioned that Cleveland could simply cut Watson, accepting the massive dead cap charges.
Watson is set to count against the salary cap at $72.94 million for each of the next two seasons, a costly figure that limits Cleveland’s flexibility.
Browns’ to keep team chore intact
In light of Watson’s injury, Cleveland’s decision not to make additional trade deadline moves was unexpected, particularly considering the analytical approach for which the team is known.
“I’m a little bit surprised that the Browns didn’t do more,” Pelissero said.
He noted that Cleveland has a strong roster, with stars like Myles Garrett providing stability and standout performances, leaving quarterback as the most pressing need.
With their season outlook dimmed and Watson’s future in question, the Browns will have to carefully weigh their next steps.
Berry has reaffirmed support for head coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, suggesting they’ll remain central to Cleveland’s efforts in rebuilding.
Whether that includes Watson is yet to be seen.
