Browns Staying With Struggling Deshaun Watson at Quarterback

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws a pass under pressure from Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (97) in the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, on Sept. 8, 2024. David Richard/AP Photo

Quarterback Deshaun Watson has struggled since being acquired by the Cleveland Browns from the Houston Texans in 2022.

Watson has thrown for 1,020 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions over six games this season. His 76.6 rating is 28th among the NFL’s 32 teams. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow ranks first at 110.3.

Watson has missed time because of injuries and off-the-field issues, going 9–9 in three seasons with the Browns.

Nonetheless, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Watson’s job as the starter is safe and the team is not ready to play backup Jameis Winston.

“I think it’s just important that we continue to do everything we can to play good, sound football,” Stefanski said at his Monday press conference. “I think there were moments obviously of that yesterday. I think Deshaun gives us the best chance to win, continues to give us the best chance to win, and we need to play really good offensive football at his position and really at every position to be successful on Sunday.”

Watson has faced more criticism after the Browns fell to 1–5 on the season with a 20–16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Watson completed 16 of 23 pass attempts for 168 yards and did not score an offensive touchdown.

The offensive line has not helped Watson and he was sacked five times by the Eagles. Overall. Watson has been sacked a league-high 31 times over six games.

Cleveland is averaging 15.8 points per game, which is 30th in the NFL. Stefanski claims he did see some positive signs in the game against Philadelphia.

“I thought there were some good moments,” Stefanski said. “You know, we need to protect. We need to keep him clean when we can. That’s a good front. I thought the guys battled like crazy. Had some decent opportunities there, but got to find a way to be more explosive.”

Watson signed a five-year, $230 million contract with the Browns in 2022, that included a $44.9 million signing bonus. This year, he will earn a base salary of $1.2 million and he did restructure his contract to receive a $44.8 million bonus.

Watson has a no-trade clause throughout the length of the contract and he is eligible for free agency in 2027 as part of the deal. The Browns traded three first-round picks to acquire him from the Texans.

The Browns have not won a divisional title since 1989 and have never even played in a Super Bowl. Cleveland faces an uphill battle to make the playoffs this season as the Browns reside in last place in the AFC North. Cleveland has scored 95 points and allowed 141 this season.

The investment that Cleveland has made in Watson has prompted speculation that the team’s owners and General Manager Andrew Berry are forcing Stefanski to play with the struggling quarterback. Stefanski denied those claims this week.

He asserts the Browns just need to play better.

“I don’t get caught up in narratives,” Stefanski said. “We have a good dialogue with myself, Andrew, and ownership about all things that have to do with this team. They have been nothing but supportive, and any decision when it comes to football is my decision.”