{
  "id": 90361,
  "title": "‘Beyond Improbable’ — Former NFL GM Fires Back at Deshaun Watson’s Aim of Getting Another Contract From Browns",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/beyond-improbable-former-nfl-gm-fires-back-at-deshaun-watsons-aim-of",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-03T15:35:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/beyond-improbable-former-nfl-gm-153518646.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a recent interview, former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum dismissed quarterback Deshaun Watson’s aspirations of re-signing with the Cleveland Browns. Watson, who has not played a meaningful game since tearing his Achilles tendon in October 2024, is vying for the starting position against second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders, who made the Pro Bowl during his rookie season. Watson expressed his desire to secure a new contract once his current one expires. Tannenbaum criticized Watson’s chances of getting another deal, stating, “He’s played in 19 games since 2020. They gave him $230 million of fully guaranteed money, arguably the worst transaction in the history of football. And he tore his Achilles tendon twice.” The veteran quarterback’s Achilles injuries have significantly impacted his performance, draining his athleticism and timing. Furthermore, the Browns’ quarterback room has become younger since Watson’s last appearance on the field. Rookie players Taylen Green, Dillon Gabriel, and Sanders have entered the picture, with Sanders delivering impressive rookie season numbers. According to PFN’s QB Impact Metric, Sanders had a 63.0 impact score, the second-worst in the league. With the Browns having spent six draft selections and signed Watson to a five-year, $230 million contract, the possibility of extending Watson’s deal seems highly improbable, especially considering the team's recent focus on rebuilding.",
  "summary": "As training camp rolls on, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson finds himself locked in a position battle with Shedeur Sanders for the starting spot. Watson, who has not played a meaningful game in a couple of years, wants to reclaim his spot.",
  "key_points": [
    "Former NFL GM Mike Tannenbaum dismisses Deshaun Watson's contract hopes.",
    "Watson played in 19 games since 2020, suffered twice Achilles tendon injuries.",
    "Cleveland Browns' QB room younger, Shedeur Sanders leads with 63.0 impact score."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Deshaun Watson's bid for another contract from the Browns appears doomed given his sparse playing time, severe injuries, and the team's recent draft picks bolstering the quarterback position.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}