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Deshaun Watson's NFL Future in Doubt, Expert Says

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, February 26th 2026 at 19:48 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Ohio, Texas, UNITED STATES

Cleveland, OH - February 27, 2026 - The future of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson hangs precariously in the balance, with many now questioning if he has a viable path forward in the NFL. A recent assessment by former NFL agent Joel Glantz paints a stark picture: if Watson loses the starting quarterback position, his career is effectively over, and retirement is the only sensible option. This isn't simply about on-field performance; it's a confluence of factors - contractual obligations, public relations fallout, and the evolving landscape of the Browns' quarterback room - creating a perfect storm for the once-promising signal caller.

Glantz, speaking to CBS Sports, didn't mince words. "If he loses the job, he's done. He needs to retire." This pronouncement carries weight, given Glantz's experience navigating the complex world of NFL contracts and player management. He highlights the untenable position Watson would find himself in as a high-priced backup, a scenario detrimental to both the player and the team.

The roots of this predicament extend back to 2020, when allegations of sexual assault and harassment first surfaced. While Watson settled lawsuits with over two dozen women, the damage to his reputation was significant. The NFL responded with a six-game suspension in 2022, but the controversy continues to cast a long shadow over his career. The Browns, despite the well-documented allegations, took a massive gamble by signing Watson to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, hoping to secure a franchise quarterback to lead them to Super Bowl contention.

However, that gamble has yet to pay off. Watson's performance in Cleveland has been, to put it mildly, underwhelming. While flashes of his former talent have appeared, consistency has been elusive, and the Browns have failed to consistently reach their potential. The offensive struggles haven't solely fallen on Watson's shoulders - coaching changes and inconsistent offensive line play have played a role - but the sheer size of his contract makes him the focal point of any disappointment.

Now, the competition for the starting role is intensifying. The Browns have brought in Ken Dorsey as their new offensive coordinator, signaling a desire for a fresh approach. More critically, they've invested in young quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a draft pick intended to provide competition and, potentially, a future successor to Watson. This creates a three-way battle for the most important position on the team, and the pressure on Watson is immense.

Glantz argues that the Browns are effectively "boxed in" by their investment in Watson. Cutting him outright would result in a significant dead cap hit, a financial burden the team would likely prefer to avoid. However, keeping him as a backup is equally unpalatable. "The Browns have too much invested in him financially, and the PR is just too bad," Glantz explained. "He can't be a backup. It's just too much of a waste." The optics of paying a quarterback $230 million to hold a clipboard, especially given the ongoing public relations concerns, would be disastrous.

The situation highlights a growing trend in the NFL - the immense financial and reputational risks associated with signing players with significant off-field baggage. Teams are increasingly scrutinizing potential acquisitions, not just for their on-field abilities, but also for their character and potential impact on the organization's image. The Browns' experience with Watson serves as a cautionary tale.

What options does Watson have? While a trade is theoretically possible, his contract and the lingering controversy would significantly limit his market value. No team would be willing to absorb his full salary, and any potential suitors would likely demand substantial concessions. Retirement, therefore, appears to be the most pragmatic course of action. It would allow him to step away from the scrutiny, preserve some semblance of dignity, and avoid further damaging his reputation. While it's a harsh reality for a player once considered among the league's elite, Glantz's assessment feels increasingly inevitable. The clock is ticking on Deshaun Watson's NFL career, and his performance in the upcoming training camp and preseason will likely determine his fate.