The Cleveland Browns find themselves in a precarious situation as they head into their Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals with a dismal 1-5 record.
The team’s inconsistent performance, particularly on offense, has raised concerns, and much of the blame has been directed at quarterback Deshaun Watson.
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Browns facing $100M mistake with Watson
Through six games, Watson has thrown for only 1,050 yards, with five touchdowns and three interceptions, failing to surpass 200 passing yards in a single game this season.
As the season progresses, the Browns are quickly running out of time to salvage their playoff hopes.
With a substantial financial burden tied to Watson, the team must consider a drastic move to secure a brighter future.
Watson’s ongoing struggles put the organization at a crossroads.
Currently ranked 28th among NFL quarterbacks, Watson’s performance has fallen short of expectations, as evidenced by his low QBR of 21.7, the worst in the league.
Cutting Watson would be a significant financial setback for the Browns, as they would need to absorb a cap hit of nearly $99.8 million, amounting to approximately 36% of their projected salary cap for the following year.
Even if they retain Watson for another season, releasing him post-2025 would still result in a substantial cap hit of $72.9 million.
Meanwhile, if Cleveland opts to keep Watson and his lackluster performance continues, the prospects for a playoff run look increasingly bleak.
Why Shedeur Sanders could be the Browns’ answer
If the season ended today, the Browns would hold the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, positioning them well to select a new quarterback.
Mock drafts currently project Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, as a top candidate.
Sanders has made a significant impact in college football, boasting a 72.6% completion rate and 17 touchdowns in just six games this season.
Sanders possesses a dual-threat ability that closely resembles Watson’s style of play, making him an appealing option for the Browns.
However, the financial implications of cutting Watson may lead the team to consider drafting Sanders while still retaining Watson, especially if they want to capitalize on a rookie quarterback’s contract.
As Cleveland fans await a decision on Watson’s future, they are left wondering whether the organization will make the tough choice to cut ties with him and embrace a new direction with Sanders.
