Kevin Stefanski reveals if he’s being pressured by Browns owner Jimmy Haslam over $230,000,000 Deshaun Watson investment
After a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6, Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns are now 1-5 on the NFL season. The 29-year-old quarterback did not play well in the first half of the game and was criticized for it.
The Browns' offense is averaging just 15.8 points and 143.0 passing yards per game this season. There is a growing concern about the team, and many believe that they should bench Watson and start Jameis Winston.
However, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has clarified that Watson will continue to start. When asked if the ownership is forcing him to stick with Watson, Stefanski responded:
"We have a good dialogue with myself, Andrew (Berry), ownership ... Any decision when it comes to football is my decision."
After Watson got hurt last season, the team played significantly better with Joe Flacco as their quarterback. They also made the playoffs with Flacco but are in danger of missing the postseason this year.
In six games this season, Watson has thrown for 1,020 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. He has a completion percentage of 61.3, and the team will hope things will improve next week with Nick Chubb's return.
The Browns are forced to rely on Deshaun Watson
Following his trade in 2022, Deshaun Watson inked a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract extension with the Browns. The Browns are due to pay Watson $45 million, fully guaranteed, in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
The franchise has no other solution than sticking with Watson and hoping that he will eventually get back to playing well. He did look promising last year before injuring his shoulder, but this season has been an utter disaster.
Multiple penalties by the offensive line and drops from receivers are not making things any easier for the struggling quarterback, and Stefanski needs to dig deep to put his players in positions to succeed.
The Browns' next two games are against the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens. Watson can change the narrative around him if he plays well in these two games and leads his team to at least one win.