The Cleveland Browns are setting the stage for what could be a pivotal 2025 season, giving Deshaun Watson a chance to compete for the starting quarterback role. While the financial implications are significant, this decision isn’t solely about the money—there’s an underlying belief in Watson’s potential to bounce back.
A Massive Financial Stake in Play
The financial aspect looms large, with Watson’s contract presenting a $119 million cap hit in 2025 if the Browns were to trade or cut him post-June 1. That’s nearly half of the NFL’s 2024 cap of $255.4 million—an almost impossible scenario for any team to absorb. Currently, Watson carries cap charges of nearly $73 million for the next two seasons and about $27 million in 2027. To ease this burden, Cleveland is likely to restructure his deal again in the offseason, pushing more money forward to lower the immediate impact.
But the Browns’ decision to keep Watson in the mix isn’t just about managing numbers. The organization believes he still has what it takes to deliver at a high level, and they’re giving him the opportunity to prove it.
Why Watson Still Matters
Watson’s performance in the first seven games of the season wasn’t inspiring, as he often missed open receivers and ran into unnecessary sacks, contributing to the team’s disappointing 1-6 record. However, the Browns see potential beyond those struggles. They’re convinced that the challenging circumstances surrounding those games didn’t reflect Watson’s true abilities.
The offense faced multiple hurdles early in the season, starting with an overhaul of the coaching staff and scheme. Offensive tackles Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills Jr. were either absent or underperforming due to recovery from knee surgeries. Right guard Wyatt Teller missed Weeks 4-7, and star running back Nick Chubb was sidelined for six games. Meanwhile, wide receiver Amari Cooper struggled significantly, leading the league in drops and catching only 45.3% of his passes during that stretch. These setbacks hindered the team’s ability to execute effectively.
It wasn’t until Week 8, when Jameis Winston stepped in as quarterback, that the Browns began to stabilize offensively. With a healthier roster, including Chubb’s return and improved offensive line play, Winston could stretch the field and provide some hope for the offense.
Watson’s Road to Recovery
This isn’t to say Watson will step back onto the field as the Day 1 starter in 2025. His game heavily relies on mobility, and coming off a ruptured Achilles and prior shoulder surgery, his readiness remains uncertain. Watson hasn’t played a full season since his standout 2020 campaign in Houston, where he led the NFL in passing yards (4,823) and tossed 33 touchdowns against just 7 interceptions. Next season, he’ll be 30 years old and attempting to regain his form after consecutive season-ending injuries.
Still, the Browns are optimistic. Watson is on track in his recovery and is expected to participate in training camp, even if only in a limited capacity. The team will likely bring in another legitimate quarterback—whether through the draft, free agency, or a trade—to ensure they have a solid Plan B. However, Watson remains an integral part of the equation as Cleveland evaluates its future under center.
Myles Garrett Calls for Accountability
While the quarterback situation garners most of the attention, defensive star Myles Garrett has spotlighted another issue: the team’s lack of cohesion. Speaking candidly, Garrett revealed his frustration with players being out of sync, which he believes is the primary reason for the defense’s decline from No. 1 to No. 21.
“We haven’t been on the same page, and that’s caused a lot of dysfunction,” Garrett said. Despite aligning on goals organizationally, execution on the field hasn’t met expectations. Garrett emphasized the importance of elevating their game, acknowledging that opposing teams had a full offseason to study and counter their strengths.
“It wasn’t going to be like last season,” Garrett added. “We needed to take it to another level, and we didn’t. When you watch the tape, you see how often we beat ourselves. That’s what bad teams do, and it’s frustrating.”
David Njoku’s Struggles Continue
Meanwhile, tight end David Njoku’s season has been plagued by setbacks, including a sprained ankle that kept him out for three games earlier in the year. Just as he seemed to be finding his rhythm, a hamstring injury now jeopardizes his availability for the upcoming Chiefs game.
Njoku’s production has dipped significantly, with his per-catch average sitting at a career-low 7.8 yards. The Browns are hopeful he can bounce back, but the recurring injuries have made this a challenging season for the talented tight end.
A Glimmer of Hope for Dustin Hopkins
On the special teams front, kicker Dustin Hopkins has faced his own challenges, missing 6 of his last 9 kicks and slipping to a 64% conversion rate. Despite these struggles, the Browns remain committed to him as their kicker of the future.
Hopkins has identified a mechanical issue and worked on it during practice, where he made all of his kicks. The team might temporarily turn to Riley Patterson against the Chiefs, but Hopkins’ long-term role appears secure. It’s a testament to the Browns’ confidence in his ability to rebound, much like other top kickers such as Justin Tucker and Chris Boswell have done during their careers.
What’s Next for the Browns?
The Browns are entering a critical juncture. They’re betting on Watson to make a successful return, but they’re also hedging their bets by exploring other quarterback options. The defense, led by Garrett, needs to regain its dominant form, while offensive weapons like Njoku and Cooper must overcome their struggles to provide consistent support.
Cleveland’s path forward is far from certain, but one thing is clear: the team isn’t backing down from the challenges ahead. Whether Watson can rise to the occasion and reclaim his spot as a top-tier quarterback—or whether the Browns pivot in a new direction—the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of reckoning for this franchise.
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