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Deshaun Watson Retirement Suggested by Analyst

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, February 26th 2026 at 21:05 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, CANADA

Cleveland, OH - February 27th, 2026 - The Cleveland Browns find themselves in an unexpectedly complex quarterback situation heading into the 2026 season, one that could force Deshaun Watson to make a career-defining decision. Despite carrying a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, Watson's performance since arriving in Cleveland has been underwhelming, leading to a genuine competition for the starting role with veteran Joe Flacco. Now, one NFL analyst is suggesting a drastic course of action: retirement.

John Johnson of Sporting News ignited the debate yesterday on 'The Pat McAfee Show,' boldly stating that Watson should immediately retire if he doesn't win the starting job. The claim, while provocative, taps into a growing narrative surrounding Watson - a narrative that focuses less on on-field performance and more on the intangible costs of continued struggle.

"I'm telling you, if he's not the starting quarterback, he needs to retire," Johnson asserted. "He's got all the money. He's got all that. What he doesn't have is respect, and he's not getting it. And I don't know if he's getting the respect he deserves."

This isn't simply about football; it's about legacy and well-being. Watson, a former Pro Bowler and once considered one of the league's most promising young quarterbacks, has seen his reputation tarnished since signing with the Browns in 2022. The initial excitement surrounding his arrival quickly faded as he struggled with inconsistency and rust following a lengthy suspension related to off-field allegations. While those allegations are now in the past, the shadow they cast remains, compounded by his on-field struggles.

Flacco, unexpectedly thrust into the starting role late in the 2025 season due to injuries, revitalized the Browns' offense. He demonstrated a command of the offense and a surprising level of effectiveness, leading many to question whether he's a more reliable option for the future - at a fraction of the cost. The Browns' coaching staff has publicly stated the competition will be open throughout the offseason and training camp, a clear signal that Watson's job isn't secure.

Johnson's argument centers on the detrimental impact continued play as a backup could have on Watson's mental health and long-term standing in the NFL. Playing second fiddle, particularly after securing such a lucrative contract, would represent a significant fall from grace. Remaining visible as a struggling backup could further erode any remaining public goodwill and potentially define his career not by his successes in Houston, but by his failures in Cleveland.

"Look, he's got the money, he's got the respect from some people, but he needs to just go away and find some peace," Johnson explained. "This isn't good for him, this isn't good for the Browns, and it's not good for the NFL."

The situation presents a unique dilemma. Typically, players will fight tooth and nail to remain in the league, even in reduced roles, extending their careers for as long as possible. However, Watson's financial security allows him a level of agency rarely afforded to athletes. He doesn't need to play. The question is whether he wants to endure the scrutiny and diminished role if he cannot regain his starting position.

From the Browns' perspective, this is also a complex issue. They are heavily invested in Watson, both financially and in terms of team morale. Releasing him isn't a viable option due to the structure of his contract. However, keeping him as an expensive and potentially disruptive backup could hinder team chemistry and limit their flexibility.

The coming months will be crucial. The Browns' coaching staff will need to carefully manage the quarterback competition while also considering the long-term implications for both the team and Watson himself. Ultimately, the decision rests with Watson, but the advice from analysts like John Johnson is gaining traction - for a player with nothing left to prove on the field, walking away might be the most sensible path.