No one denies that Deshaun Watson hasn't lived up to his NFL record-breaking contract.
The Cleveland Browns traded for Watson before the 2022 season. Following the trade, Cleveland inked Watson to a five-year, $230 million contract extension. He's then proceeded to deal with injuries, suspension and a lack of production ever since.
Bleacher Report put together a top 10 list of worst contracts in the NFL. Watson came in at No. 1 on the list, ahead of names like Russell Wilson (No. 2) and Derek Carr (No. 3).
"Cleveland went 5-1 in his starts in 2023, so there's optimism for success this season and beyond. Entering his age-29 season, Watson is squarely in traditional late-prime years, too," Bleacher Reports' David Kenyon writes. "If he slides, however, shedding his contract without taking on significant dead money will be almost impossible."
Cleveland is looking at a make-or-break season for Watson. He is set to be healthy at the start of training camp. That means he is officially out of excuses.
The Browns' offense has enough weapons for Watson to find success. He is a couple of years removed from his suspension. It is all on his shoulders right now. If he wants to prove that he was worth the massive investment from the Browns, it starts now.
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