5 quarterbacks the Cleveland Browns should have chosen over Deshaun Watson
The Cleveland Browns have made their choice. With the trade of Baker Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers, it is clear that they stand solely behind Deshaun Watson no matter what. Watson signed a record contract with the Browns, yet he might not play a single snap of football in the 2022 NFL season.
A suspension hangs over his head as a result of the 24 sexual accusations he faces. Watson recently settled 20 out of those 24 cases, but the NFL has yet to decide on his playing status. From a footballing standpoint, Watson is a very strong quarterback, but he hasn’t played since the 2020 season and he brings a lot of baggage.
Bringing in Watson was an idea that had as many drawbacks as positives, perhaps even more. With this in mind it’s worth remembering that right back at the beginning of the offseason, there were a number of candidates who could have arrived in his place. Here are five quarterbacks the Cleveland Browns could have pursued instead:
#1 – Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield has been a good quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, albeit not spectacular. He led the franchise from having a 0-16 season to winning their first playoff game since 1994. His lack of consistency pushed the Browns to seek other options following the 2021 season.
Mayfield's treatment right up until his trade to the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday was shabby and uncalled for. Yet, Mayfield was an option that Cleveland could have continued with instead of trading for Watson.
Given the controversy that arrived with the former Houston Texans quarterback, the Browns could have kept their dignity and given Mayfield another chance. He had one further year on his contract and the Browns had a loft of dispensable draft capital. They could have given him another year and perhaps landed one of the numerous projected talents in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Instead, they will face Mayfield in their opening game of the season when the Carolina Panthers come to Ohio. Friends really do make the worst enemies.
#2 – Jameis Winston
Jameis Winston has benefited from his time as a backup in New Orleans, and was set to start after the retirement of Drew Brees. An injury put an end to his 2021 season, but he will be back in the 2022 campaign.
The Jameis Winston that left the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was an interception machine. In his last season there, he threw for 33 touchdowns and 30 interceptions. He has improved since working with Brees and Sean Payton and he will now be the Saints' starter this season. In 2021 he threw for 1,170 yards and 14 touchdowns with three interceptions and led New Orleans to a 5-2 record.
Most INTs
Since 2018
CAR Baker Mayfield 56
CAR Sam Darnold 52
DET Jared Goff 49
NO Jameis Winston 47
His style of play is dynamic and with the talent that the Browns have, he could have been an electric spark in their offense. The fact that he was available as a free agent made their decision not to at least look at him somewhat bizarre.