As the 2024 NFL season approaches, all eyes are on Cleveland Browns’ quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is set to return after a tumultuous couple of years marked by injuries and off-field controversies.
Following a shoulder surgery in November, Watson is expected to be ready for Week 1, but the real question remains: can he deliver the performance that the Browns are desperately anticipating?
Pressure Mounts on Deshaun Watson
The Browns, having signed Jameis Winston as a potential replacement, appear to be losing patience with Watson. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com highlighted the team’s dwindling tolerance, stating on the Orange and Browns Talk podcast.
If for some reason Deshaun Watson isn’t the quarterback they expect him to be, if he’s not that guy, then they will try Jameis Winston and turn it over to him. Because the bottom line is they’re trying to win games. They’re not going to let down the rest of the football team to have a long leash on someone.
Cleveland made the playoffs last season, but Joe Flacco, not franchise cornerstone Deshaun Watson, helped get them there. With the addition of Jerry Jeudy, will the former Clemson QB start living up to what the Browns invested in him? pic.twitter.com/GsuDxVl0UN
— Rip 'N Riff (@RipNRiff) April 22, 2024
This statement encapsulates the Browns’ current stance—winning is paramount, and sentimentality towards Watson’s $230 million guaranteed contract will not cloud their judgment. Should Watson falter, the Browns are prepared to view his contract as a sunk cost and move forward with Winston.
Deshaun Watson’s Rocky Tenure with the Cleveland Browns
Since being traded from the Houston Texans in March 2022, Watson’s career with the Browns has been anything but stable. His first season was marred by an 11-game suspension due to sexual misconduct allegations, and his return was cut short by a shoulder injury after just six games.
The limited time he has spent on the field has been underwhelming, showing only sporadic glimpses of the prowess that once led the NFL in passing yards with 33 touchdowns in 2020.
Moreover, Watson’s absence from the entire 2021 season has likely contributed to his lackluster performances. The challenge for him now is to shake off the rust and prove that he can still be the elite quarterback the Browns hoped they were getting.
Cleveland Browns’ Winning Formula
Interestingly, the Browns have not been entirely dependent on Watson for their recent successes. With a No. 1-ranked defense and an 11-win season under their belt, largely achieved with 39-year-old Joe Flacco at the helm, the team has demonstrated they can thrive without Watson’s contributions.
His record of 5-1 in the six games he played does offer a glimmer of hope, but whether this is enough to secure his future with the team remains to be seen.
The Future Is Now
As the new season looms, Watson faces what could be his final chance to redeem himself and live up to his contract. The Browns’ commitment to winning and their readiness to pivot to Winston if necessary, underline the high stakes involved.
Watson’s journey this season will not only define his career but also shape the future trajectory of the Cleveland Browns. Will he revert to his former glory, or will the Browns turn the page on what might become one of the most significant gambles in their history? Only time will tell.
