Between the nature of his Cleveland tenure and the status of his contract, 2026 has long been viewed as Deshaun Watson‘s final Browns season. He would welcome a second contract with the team, though, and the door could be open to such an arrangement.
“I think everything is on the table,” general manager Andrew Berry during an appearance on 92.3 The Fan (video link). “I think it would be silly to go into a season saying, ‘Something absolutely can or cannot happen.’ And I think particularly at the quarterback position, we’ve seen it with guys whether it’s Sam Darnold, or Daniel Jones, or Geno Smith, even Baker [Mayfield] after he left us and Carolina.
“So I think you have to be open-minded and flexible. But I wouldn’t rule out anything. We’re looking for guys who can perform and who can lead.”
Watson, 30, has one year remaining on the fully guaranteed, $230MM contract he signed upon arrival following the blockbuster trade which sent him to Cleveland. That swap saw the Browns part with three first-round picks in addition to the team’s massive financial commitment. Due to the suspension which opened his Cleveland tenure and injuries including two Achilles tears, however, Watson has totaled only 19 starts over the past four years.
The three-time Pro Bowler has not been able to regain his previous form when on the field during that span. Many have therefore anticipated a post-June 1 release taking place next spring, something which would allow the Browns to spread out a hefty dead cap charge across two seasons. An alternative to that plan would of course be a new contract being signed altogether.
The performance of Shedeur Sanders through training camp and beyond in 2026 will be critical in shaping the decision from Berry and Co. The 2024 fifth-rounder has been taking part in a competition with Watson for the QB1 gig. Head coach Todd Monken initially wanted to have clarity atop the depth chart by the end of this week’s minicamp, but the competition will continue through the summer. Sanders doing enough to earn a lengthy first-team opportunity could result in Cleveland parting ways with Watson next year.
On the other hand, Watson winning and retaining the starting spot in 2026 could pave the way for at least the exploration of a new Browns deal. A agreement on that front would no doubt cover a shorter term than his current pact and come at a lower cost, but it would give Cleveland the opportunity to generate value (up to a certain extent) from an investment which has certainly not gone according to plan.
Let’s add Jeffery Epstein as a punt returner and bill cosby as line backer and Harvey Weinstein as safety.
Don’t forget to add the former Ravens’ kicker.
Was he criminally charged?
😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣
So you’re saying Cleveland is contemplating shooting its other foot now. Ok, got it.
Oooof.
“Many have therefore anticipated a post-June 1 release taking place next spring, something which would allow the Browns to spread out a hefty dead cap charge across two seasons.”
But I thought his contract is up after this coming season?? Am I missing something?
Good grief! They’re STILL trying to find ways to spin that ridiculous first deal. And they just keep making it worse. Unreal.
Call 911! He’s having a stroke!
What a garbage heap Cleveland is, top to bottom
He’s a bum!
Andrew you know FULL well Watson is cooked
No, no, and no! This is like going out to a potential forest fire, seeing that it hasn’t burned yet, and then asking, “did anybody bring any gasoline?”