Cleveland Browns Hit With Harsh Reality Check About Deshaun Watson’s Contract

Watson’s struggles on the field have only amplified the scrutiny. While he was once among the league’s top quarterbacks, his performances with the Browns have fallen short of the elite level expected from such a significant investment. Comparisons to other high-profile contracts, like Dak Prescott’s $240 million deal with the Cowboys, further highlight the challenges of committing massive sums to quarterbacks with uncertain futures.

The Browns’ gamble has left them with limited flexibility to build around Watson. With key players needing extensions and roster holes to fill, the team faces a precarious situation. The fully guaranteed nature of Watson’s contract makes it difficult to move on or restructure without significant financial repercussions.

NFL Analysis Names Deshaun Watson’s Contract With the Cleveland Browns as the Worst in the League

Watson’s contract isn’t really one teams would love to have. This is detailed more in an analysis by Kristopher Knox for Bleacher Report.

Contract Terms: five years, $230 million, fully guaranteed

Things have been so bad that the Browns have essentially given up on Watson with two years remaining on his contract.

“We took a big swing and miss with Deshaun,” franchise owner Jimmy Haslam said, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Barring a massive surprise, Cleveland is set to pay out another $167.1 million for Watson to quietly go away. This isn’t just the worst active contract in the NFL—it might be the worst deal in league history.

As the Browns navigate these challenges, the deal serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with aggressive contract decisions. The intersection of ambition and reality often carries steep costs in the NFL, and Cleveland’s situation underscores the importance of balancing bold moves with long-term foresight.

Ultimately, Cleveland’s experience with Watson highlights the fragile nature of success in professional football. Whether they can overcome these obstacles remains to be seen, but the lessons from this saga will resonate across the league for years to come.