It’s not a surprise because the Browns don’t have any really viable options. Regardless, there are reports that quarterback Deshaun Watson will return to the Browns in 2025.
CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reported today Watson is expected to returnas well as coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry.
Owner Jimmy Haslam strongly recommended during the owners meetings in Dallas that Stefanski and Berry would return. That’s no surprise, either, as both received extensions following Cleveland’s unexpected 2023 playoff berth.
In the same remarks, Haslam declined to comment on the quarterback position. But what was there to say? They are already looking at ridiculously high salary cap numbers for Watson in 2025 and 2026. It would cripple them if they cut him.
Watson is signed through 2026 with $46 million in fully guaranteed salaries in each of the next two years. There’s no way out unless Watson does something to void the warranties. (Since the league’s most recent investigation into Watson was recently concluded, it ended what might have been Cleveland’s last and best chance to avoid paying another $92 million.)
The Browns are currently slated to carry $72.935 million in cap hits for Watson in 2025 and 2026, with a cap hit of $26.9 million in 2027, thanks to the fallout from past restructurings.
As we’ve said many times before, the Browns have to pay him — but they don’t have to play him. The only question is whether they’ll keep him on the trot as he recovers from the torn Achilles he suffered earlier this season in an effort to finally justify one of the worst trade-signing transactions of the salary cap era, if not. the entire history of the league.
In addition to the money and the cap, the Browns gave up three first-round picks and three other draft picks to acquire Watson. These players could help create a core of young talent that could become key contributors to the franchise at multiple positions.
Still, the Browns still have a solid roster. It would be much stronger if: (1) they used these picks; and (2) they did not put $230 million in Watson’s pocket.
And yes, it’s easy to blame Berry or Stefanski or Chief Strategy Officer Paul DiPodesta for this mess. Many in league circles believe the idea to pursue Watson came from above. When they went that route, they alienated Baker Mayfield. Then, when Watson made the Browns the first team in a four-way competition between Cleveland, Atlanta, New Orleans and Carolina, the Browns made Watson an offer he couldn’t refuse.
Right now, the Browns would be much better off if he had.