The future of Deshaun Watson with the Cleveland Browns appears increasingly uncertain, as speculation mounts about his tenure with the team following injuries and fluctuated performances. NFL analyst Max Loeb recently asserted on The Big Factor podcast, "I think he can land on his feet somewhere. It is not in Cleveland. That ship has sailed." This sentiment echoes the growing belief among fans and analysts alike, reflecting disappointment and concern over Watson's time with the franchise.
Watson, once considered one of the top quarterbacks in the league, had his season prematurely derailed due to injuries, which forced him off the field. His absence has allowed Jameis Winston, another quarterback seeking redemption, to take the reins as the starting QB. With the franchise's decision to sign Winston, who previously had tumultuous stints with the New Orleans Saints, there's been renewed excitement for the Browns.
Winston’s debut as the quarterback came with high hopes. Following Watson's injury, the 30-year-old former Heisman Trophy winner led the Browns to victory against the Baltimore Ravens, throwing three touchdowns and amassing over 300 passing yards. Yet this brief success was not indicative of his capabilities, as Winston quickly fell back to his erratic style of play, exemplified by three interceptions against the Chargers the following week.
Frustrations began to mount among the Dawg Pound as Winston's performance oscillated from brilliance to blunders. Although he made waves by throwing record-breaking yards and six touchdowns against the Broncos, he compounded his mistakes with multiple turnovers. By season's end, his overall stats tallied 13 touchdowns but also 12 interceptions, showcasing his unpredictable nature: one week he could light up the scoreboard; the next, leave fans bewildered.
At this juncture, the Browns face tough decisions about their quarterback situation moving forward. With the upcoming NFL Draft, they hold the No. 2 overall pick and are expected to take serious consideration toward acquiring another quarterback. This potential move raises the stakes for Watson, whose future in Cleveland could hinge on the team’s drafting choices and overall strategy.
Many observers are left pondering if Watson's $230 million contract will become obsolete if the team opts to replace him. The prospects of rookie quarterbacks like Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward stepping up could mark the end of Watson’s chapter with the franchise. If the Browns choose to red-shirt Sanders, it places additional pressure on Watson’s recovery timeline and career resurgence.
Watson's recovery from his re-aggravated ACL injury remains another talking point, as the Browns will not rush him back, especially with the uncertainty surrounding his readiness for competition. Compounding this, no definitive return date has been set, leading to speculation whether Watson will even begin next season with the team he has struggled under.
The 29-year-old quarterback still has time to turn around his career, as many QBs play well beyond their 30s. But as team dynamics shift and contracts hang on the balance, Watson may find himself among the forgotten if he can't perform at his peak again, and sooner rather than later.
With Winston expressing his determination to remain relevant within the league, he noted during the Bussin With The Boys podcast, "I will go be anyone’s quarterback, like, to那 point, man. Like, I gotta get in the door. You know what I’m saying?" For Winston, each opportunity is pivotal as he seeks to prove critics wrong and secure his place among NFL starters—but as he gears up for free agency, the question remains who among the Browns will lead the offense next season.
Whether Watson’s future lies with Cleveland or elsewhere, it is evident his time with the Browns has reached a pivotal crossroads. The coming months will be telling as fans await decisions from the front office and watch how the war room addresses the quarterback position, leaving Watson's big-money contract and his performance history hanging tentatively between redemption and termination.