Brett Favre believes Browns could pull the plug on $230,000,000 Deshaun Watson experiment
Deshaun Watson is in his first full season with the Cleveland Browns and the team has playoff hopes. He missed the first 11 games of last season due to a suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. Now, Watson has the reins of the franchise and has gotten them off to a 1-1 start this season.
The three-time Pro Bowler has struggled under center and Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre has taken notice. Favre appeared on the 'Fearless with Jason Whitlock' podcast and said Cleveland could end the experiment with Watson:
"It is always there. And what I mean by that is outwardly, they may portray a confidence and backing of not only Deshaun but any player and this could go for any team in the league. But inwardly they're thinking something totally different. And it is very possible that that can happen.
"If they continue to falter on offense, Deshaun, hit or miss some good, some bad. They lose, win a good one, then lose three in a row and just kind of float around in the middle of the pack. Sure. I think it absolutely could happen."
Watson, who arrived in Cleveland on a fully guaranteed, five-year, $230 million deal, has thrown for 389 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions with a 55.1 completion percentage in two games.
With their star player, running back Nick Chubb, iout for the season with a knee injury the offense could lean more on the quarterback and the passing game.
If he does not deliver, Cleveland could very well consider benching him.
What did the Browns give up to trade for Deshaun Watson?
In the trade with the Houston Texans, the Browns got Watson and a sixth-round draft choice next year. It was initially a fifth-round pick. The Texans got a 2022 first-round pick and first-rounders from this year's draft and next year.
Houston also received a 2022 fourth-round choice, a third-round pick in this year's draft and a 2024 fourth-round pick.
Where does Deshaun Watson rank among the NFL's highest-paid QBs?
The Browns quarterback's $230 million deal averages $46 million per year, which is the seventh-most amongst quarterbacks.
Joe Burrow ($55 million), Justin Herbert ($52.5 million), Lamar Jackson ($52 million), Jalen Hurts ($51 million), Russell Wilson ($48.1 million) and Kyler Murray ($46.1 million) are above Watson on the list.
In terms of contract value, Watson's contract ranks ninth when it comes to quarterbacks. Patrick Mahomes and his $450 million deal is No. 1, Burrow's $275 million comes in at No. 2, and Herbert's $262.5 million is at No. 3.
Jackson's $260 million contract is at No. 4 and Josh Allen sits in the top 5 at $258 million. No. 6 is Hurts at $255 million while Wilson's $242.5 million and Murray's $230.5 million are ahead of Watson.
When do Deshaun Watson's Browns play next?
The Browns are set to host the Tennessee Titans, who are also 1-1, in Week 3. The Browns have won three of the last five matchups against the Titans.
We'll see if Watson can lead Cleveland to a win and improve his stat line.