Browns Plan to Re-Sign QB Deshaun Watson Under 1 Condition: Report
Watson's infamous five-year contract ends after this season, and the Browns were originally believed to want to release him.
In February 2022, the Cleveland Browns inked quarterback Deshaun Watson to a five-year, $230 million contract. The deal has been widely criticized as one of the worst in NFL history. Watson missed six games in 2022 due to a suspension for 22 sexual assault allegations filed against him in the prior year. In 2023, he played in only six games due to injuries, and in 2024, he tore his Achilles tendon, forcing him to miss the entire 2025 season.
This year, the 30-year-old Watson has started four games for the Browns, compiling a 3-1 record. Despite his recent performance, the team is reportedly considering keeping Watson on a long-term deal if he leads the team to the playoffs this season. This would be the first playoff appearance for the Browns since 2023 if Watson's efforts result in a postseason berth.
The season is still in its early stages, and it remains to be seen if keeping Watson is the best decision for the Browns. The team's roster is filled with talented quarterbacks, including rookie Shedeur Sanders, division-of-duty backup Dillon Gabriel, and veteran Joe Flacco, all of whom could potentially start next season if Watson leaves.
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