Browns are one bad Deshaun Watson season away from clinching “one of the dumber contracts in the history of football,” analyst claims
Deshaun Watson dominated the football news for about two years due to off-field controversies. However, the quarterback hasn't given pundits much reason to talk about his performance on the field of late. As a result, one NFL analyst is close to labeling the quarterback with one of the least desired conclusions in sports
On Monday's edition of "Pro Football Talk," NFL analyst Chris Simms placed pressure on the organization:
"It's a big year," Simms said. "It's a big year for the Browns and Watson and all that. Because if it doesn't look right and it doesn't go well man the contract's going to look like one of the dumber contracts in the history of football."
Watson is signed to a five-year, $230 million contract with the Browns. The contract amount is fully guaranteed, making it one of the most guaranteed contracts in NFL history.
Simms also called out Deshaun Watson's attendance record (12 total games between 2022 and 2023) over his first two years with the organization.
Deshaun Watson aims at turning in first full-over .500 season since before Covid-19
Many Browns fans are expecting a Deshaun Watson-led resurgence of predecessor Baker Mayfield's best season in 2024. However, if Watson can pull off a true winning season, it will be a spectacle not seen since most of today's kindergarteners were born.
The last time Watson played at least 16 games and finished over .500 was in 2019. The quarterback was 24 at the time and should he fail to turn in such a performance this year, he would be pursuing the same goal in an age 30 season.
If the Cleveland Browns quarterback fails to impress in 2024, many might start looking toward the end of the deal instead of focusing on the team as a potential contender.
Once that switch is flipped, it can be hard to change it back. However, at the end of the 2024 season, the light at the end of the tunnel remains far away.
According to Over the Cap, Watson will remain signed through the 2026 season. Unlike most deals that allow teams to move on multiple years early for a little financial penalty, Watson would be compensated the same amount as a star actively rostered quarterback.
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Pro Football Talk" and H/T Sportskeeda.