Cleveland Browns Believe in Deshaun Watson Despite Contract Concerns
The Cleveland Browns are standing by their quarterback, Deshaun Watson, even though his contract poses a significant financial burden. General manager Andrew Berry recently addressed the issue, stating that while the contract is substantial, it is not currently a priority to restructure it. Berry emphasized that the decision will depend on the team’s overall plan for the future.
Berry, who has extensive knowledge of NFL team building and salary cap negotiation, led the Browns to success this past season. Despite Watson’s limited playing time, the team achieved 11 victories and secured a playoff berth. However, it is hard to ignore the financial implications of Watson’s contract, which required the Browns to trade away valuable draft picks and commit to the largest fully-guaranteed contract in the history of the sport.
Although Berry may not publicly admit any regrets about the deal, it is clear that the financial challenges posed by Watson’s contract will impact the team’s ability to succeed in the next few years. According to Spotrac, the Browns are currently projected to be $20.5 million over the salary cap for the upcoming season. While the team can roll over approximately $30 million from last year, tough decisions will need to be made regarding key players in order to create room for extensions and new talent.
Berry previously expressed his desire to retain running back Nick Chubb, but acknowledged that Chubb’s current contract may need to be renegotiated. The running back’s cap hit in 2024 is estimated to be around $16 million, and the Browns would only incur $4 million in dead money if they were to part ways with him. These types of decisions will be crucial in managing the team’s financial situation and ensuring competitiveness in the AFC.
Despite the challenges ahead, the Cleveland Browns remain committed to Deshaun Watson and will continue to navigate the complexities of his contract while striving for success on the field.
DESHAUN WATSON’S FUTURE WITH CLEVELAND BROWNS IN JEOPARDY
In a shocking turn of events, the Cleveland Browns are considering re-working Deshaun Watson’s contract to open up more cap space. This move, however, could have disastrous consequences for the team’s future. Watson, who has been plagued by injuries and has only shown mediocre performance when healthy, is not worth sacrificing the team’s long-term success.
Andrew Berry, the Browns’ general manager, expressed optimism about Watson’s potential but emphasized the importance of him staying on the field. The implication is that injuries have been the main obstacle to Watson’s success. However, it is essential to note that Watson’s off-field troubles cannot be ignored.
Watson faced an 11-game suspension from the NFL due to numerous claims of sexual misconduct. This suspension severely limited his playing time in the 2022 season. Additionally, a shoulder injury further hindered his performance in 2023. Despite these setbacks, Watson’s cost to the team has remained high. The upcoming season will be a make-or-break moment for both Watson and Berry.
The Browns were fortunate to have Joe Flacco step in and lead the team to the playoffs last season. Flacco’s contribution came at a fraction of the cost compared to Watson. If Watson fails to deliver and the team regresses in 2024, serious questions will arise about the direction of the organization under Berry’s leadership.
Berry needs to prioritize creating cap space and building a winning team around Watson. The clock is ticking, and the future looks uncertain. The Browns cannot afford to make one of the worst deals in NFL history.
It remains to be seen whether Watson can overcome his off-field troubles and return to his Pro-Bowl caliber form. The Browns and their fans are anxiously waiting for the answer.
Max Dible is a sports journalist covering various teams, including the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, and Golden State Warriors. Stay connected for the latest updates.
