Browns' Kevin Stefanski addresses if he's forced to play Deshaun Watson amid struggles

Cleveland Browns insider Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland/The Land on Demand said via X (formerly known as Twitter) on Sunday night that "any decision" related to the club possibly benching struggling quarterback Deshaun Watson "comes from above." 

While speaking with reporters on Monday coming off Cleveland's 34-13 loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday afternoon that dropped the Browns to 1-4 on the season, head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked if he essentially needs permission from general manager Andrew Berry and/or team owner Jimmy Haslam to sit Watson in favor of backup Jameis Winston.

"I understand the question," Stefanski said, as shared by Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "As you guys know, I make decisions for our football team, but I, obviously, consult with Andrew. We talk about everything that goes on with our football team. But ultimately, it’s my decision, yes." 

For a piece published on Sept. 27, Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated wrote that Stefanski "would need to clear [benching Watson] with a not insignificant number of people who are shackled to the enormity of this Watson contract and situation." The Browns famously signed Watson to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230M contract as part of acquiring him from the Houston Texans in March 2022. 

Watson hasn't lived up to expectations during his Cleveland tenure and was, statistically speaking, one of the worst starting quarterbacks of the ongoing season's first five weeks. According to ESPN stats, he ended the weekend ranked last in the NFL among qualified players with a 21.0 adjusted QBR. The StatMuse website shows Watson is 23rd in the league with a combined 983 passing and rushing yards on the campaign. 

"I, obviously, talk to Andrew about everything we do," Stefanski added during his comments. "I talk to ownership about everything we do. That’s just how we operate."

Former Dallas Cowboys head coach and current analyst Jason Garrett warned during NBC's "Football Night in America" program on Sunday evening that Stefanski could "lose credibility in the locker room" by continuing to play Watson over Winston. Stefanski nevertheless insisted on Monday that Watson "will play better" beginning with this Sunday's game between the Browns and 2-2 Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.

As of Monday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Browns as nine-point underdogs against the Eagles. Philadelphia should be well-rested following its Week 5 bye.