Deshaun Watson's Future With the Cleveland Browns Revealed

The Cleveland Browns could face a looming decision on Deshaun Watson amid his struggles with injury and inconsistent play, but an insider reveals the team isn't ready to walk away from the veteran quarterback just yet.

Watson was in the midst of one of the worst statistical seasons in his career in 2024 when he suffered a ruptured Achilles. Veteran Jameis Winston stepped in as the starter, sparking debate over whether the Browns might move on from Watson after this season.

Cleveland.com insider Mary Cay Cabot reported that the Browns still plan to stick with Watson, though they may try to make his salary cap charge more manageable. Cabot noted that Watson has cap charges of close to $73 million in each of the next two seasons, but the Browns will likely restructure to push more money forward and lower the cap hit "to a much more manageable level."

Watson will also have the chance to "at least compete for the [starting] job" -- and not just for financial reasons. 

"The Browns believe that Watson can still play at a high level, and that the first seven games of this season were not a true reflection of his ability," Cabot wrote. 'Granted, he was not without plenty of blame for the 1-6 record. He missed the open man a lot, and ran himself into too many sacks."

Watson ended his season completing 63.4% of his passes for 1,148 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions. His 79.0 passer rating was the lowest mark of his career.