Well, it appears that the Cleveland Browns are going to bring quarterback Deshaun Watson back this upcoming 2025 season to be the starter. At least, get an opportunity to win the job.
Via ESPN: “The Browns owe Watson $46 million in each of the next two seasons, and releasing him in the offseason would create $172 million and $99 million dead cap hits in 2025 and 2026, which would make roster-building prohibitive.”
Yikes.
There have also been reports that the team will create some type of quarterback competition in order to improve his play as he recovers from the torn Achilles injury that took him out for the remainder of this past season.
Many will turn to Jameis Winson as the desired quarterback for next year. The team would have to sign him to an extension after the season.
Look, I love Jameis. His pregame speeches, his faith and his love for this city and fans. But being realistic, it’s not like Winston is going to take this franchise great places moving forward. He could be a great motivator for Watson.
Winning the “snow globe game” against the Steelers was fantastic, but the Browns are still only 3-8 and it’s not as if Winston is taking them to a Super Bowl, speeches or not.
With the absolutely awful contract that Watson was originally signed for, the Browns are still stuck with that money for the coming years. It’s been an awful journey thus far that’s for sure.
An idea might be for the Browns to draft a quarterback in this upcoming first round and allow for him to back up Watson for the time being, get experience and then eventually either start in the ’26 or ’27 season moving forward.
Let’s talk about this hypothetical.
It’s Thanksgiving and I’ll be optimistic for the time being.
What if Deshaun Watson recovers and actually thrives back under center next year? Crazy, right? Yeah, it’s not something to bank on or bet on. Honestly, I’m okay with the Watson chance once again in ’25
Having the backup ready, letting Watson start the season and switching right to that quarterback early in the year if the losses mound. The Browns are a long way away from becoming an elite franchise and my hunch is that it’ll ultimately be a top quarterback pick in the coming years that gives the squad an opportunity to win in the future.
Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday with family and friends. I’m thankful for all of you and your consistent support for the brand.
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