The Cleveland Browns have bet big on Deshaun Watson, but those results have not warranted what could be perceived as "success." The once-great quarterback had his career marred with controversy, as he was accused of sexual assault by multiple women.
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The Browns traded for Waston in March 2022, giving up a treasure trove of draft picks that included first-round draft picks in 2022, 2023, and 2024. He also signed a five-year, $230 million deal, that was fully guaranteed. However, the allegations against the quarterback led to his being suspended for 11 games that season.
When Watson was finally reinstated, he was not the player that had wowed everyone while with the Texans He would throw for 1,102 yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions in 2022.
The 2023 season was much of the same, as Watson appeared in six games and threw for 1,115 yards, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions. He suffered a displaced fracture to the glenoid in his right shoulder, resulting in season-ending surgery.
Finally, in 2024, a healthy Watson appeared with the Browns. However, he was still not his normal self. He struggled with accuracy, throwing 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions.
To make matters worse, Watson suffered another season-ending injury, ending his season premature with a torn Achilles.
The big bet has clearly not paid off, and the injury concerns are another matter altogether. Browns general manager Andrew Berry spoke to the media today about the Browns' future, and if that future will include Watson.
When asked bluntly if Watson was going to be part of the Browns' plans in 2025, Berry stated:
"Really our focus with Deshaun, I would say for any player with a season-ending injury and a major injury, is first and foremost to make sure that he gets healthy from the Achilles injury. Everything else, we'll deal with at a later moment."
Despite Berry not outright saying that Watson would be part of the team in 2025, his "coach speak" about the future of the team speaks volumes.
It is not shocking that the Browns organization is contemplating moving past Watson. He has had several seasons to show that he was worth such a large contract and multiple draft picks, and controversies aside — his injury concerns are plenty worrisome.
Despite the Browns wanting to move past signal caller or hinting at it, they would have to pay Watson's salary until 2026. Berry might have not expressed that the team is for sure keeping Watson, but the high price tag might force the organization to see what happens.
This is just speculation right now, as Watson has had many issues that would warrant the Browns moving on. Time will tell if this is to happen, but Berry not outright saying Watson is part of the 2025 is very suspect.
For more on the Browns, head to Newsweek Sports.
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