Should the Browns Finally Move On from Deshaun Watson?
The phrase, “when it rains, it pours,” continues to ring true in Cleveland. After finishing last in the AFC North Division for the second time in three seasons with a 3-14 record in 2024-25, the ongoing injury saga for Browns' starting quarterback Deshaun Watson continues to worsen. On Friday morning, ESPN’s NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that Watson suffered a re-tear of his right Achilles tendon, the same injury he originally sustained on October 20th against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week Seven, for which he underwent surgery again on Thursday. This news comes just four days after Browns general manager Andrew Berry revealed during his end-of-season press conference that Watson had suffered a setback in his recovery, though details were not released at the time. After two consecutive seasons marred by season-ending injuries and with the 2025 season now in jeopardy for the 29-year-old, the question arises, is it time for the Browns and Watson to part ways and end the Watson era in Cleveland?
Following his five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed deal with the Browns in 2022, which came with major backlash, Watson’s three-year tenure with Cleveland has been one to forget for both sides. Over these three seasons, Watson has yet to play a full season, having been limited by back-to-back season-ending injuries and playing in seven or fewer games each year. In 19 games with the Browns, Watson has posted a 59.5% completion rate, 3,365 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and a passer rating of 80.7. The injuries over the past two seasons have given Cleveland a glimpse of what life might be like without Watson at the helm.
Last season, after Watson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, the Browns found success with veteran quarterback and former division rival Joe Flacco, who was signed by the team and enjoyed a resurgent season. The 39-year-old helped lead the Browns to the playoffs with a 4-1 record in their final five games, clinching a Wild Card spot. However, after the Browns chose not to re-sign Flacco, who went to Indianapolis last offseason, Cleveland was relying on Watson to put together his first complete season since 2020 with Houston. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, as the Browns, especially the offense, struggled mightily, scoring fewer than 20 points in all seven games with Watson as the starter this season. With that said, looking ahead to 2025, the Browns face major questions that must be answered.
The Browns enter the 2025 NFL Draft holding the second overall pick, with only the Tennessee Titans ahead of them in the draft order. If general manager Andrew Berry and the Browns front office decide to part ways with Watson and look toward drafting a quarterback for the future, several notable options could be available. Among the most notable names are Shedeur Sanders from Colorado, Cameron Ward from Miami University, Jalen Milroe from Alabama, and, while not yet officially declaring for the draft, possibly Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers. With such a talented quarterback class in this upcoming draft, combined with the offensive talent the Browns have outside of Watson, such as Nick Chubb, David Njoku, and Jerry Jeudy, the decision to cut ties with Watson could pay dividends in the long term. It would allow the team to develop a young quarterback and create more cap space flexibility compared to their current situation with Watson’s contract. Additionally, if the Browns want to convince their six-time Pro Bowl edge rusher, Myles Garrett, that they are committed to winning now rather than undergoing another rebuild, something Garrett has expressed he doesn't want to endure again, stating, “I'm not trying to rebuild. I'm trying to win right now,” then they should strongly consider moving forward with someone other than Watson leading the charge at quarterback for 2025 and beyond.
