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Watson Contract a Drag on Browns' Future

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, April 1st 2026 at 23:52 GMT by Sporting News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

The Weight of the Contract and Underwhelming Performance

The root of the problem lies in the fully guaranteed contract handed to Watson upon his arrival in Cleveland. The Browns are currently on the hook for $23.2 million in 2026 and a further $21.1 million in 2027, an enormous financial commitment for a player who, to date, hasn't lived up to the expectations - or the price tag. While glimpses of potential have emerged, Watson has largely struggled with consistency and often appears hesitant in his decision-making, a far cry from the elite quarterback the Browns envisioned when they made the trade.

Recent reports suggesting a lack of full commitment from Watson have only exacerbated the situation. This perceived disengagement adds another layer of complication to an already challenging scenario, leaving the Browns questioning whether he can be the long-term solution at the most important position in football.

Exploring All Avenues: A Breakdown of Browns' Options

The Browns aren't simply stuck with Watson; they have a range of options, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let's examine them:

• Staying the Course: The most straightforward approach is to retain Watson as the starter, hoping for a significant improvement in performance. However, this is a high-risk strategy. Banking on a turnaround from a player who has consistently struggled feels increasingly precarious, especially given the financial investment. Continued underwhelming play would not only hinder the team's competitiveness but also further inflate the perceived value of the contract.

• Trade Possibilities (and Obstacles): Trading Watson is a complex proposition. His hefty contract makes him an unattractive asset for many teams. The Browns would almost certainly have to absorb a substantial portion of his salary to entice another franchise to take him on, essentially paying Watson not to play for them. While not impossible, finding a willing trade partner presents a significant hurdle.

• The Costly Cut: Releasing Watson would be the most expensive option. The dead cap hit associated with cutting him would be substantial, severely limiting the Browns' financial flexibility in subsequent seasons. It's a drastic measure that would leave the team with limited resources to build around a new quarterback.

• Veteran Stopgap: The Flacco Addition: The signing of veteran Joe Flacco on a one-year deal provides an immediate, short-term solution. Flacco, a Super Bowl champion with considerable experience, offers stability and a reliable hand at the helm. He isn't a long-term fix, but he can bridge the gap while the Browns explore more permanent options.

• Drafting the Future: The Browns' possession of the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft presents a unique opportunity. A talented class of quarterbacks is expected to enter the draft, and the Browns could select a rookie signal-caller to build around for the future. This would require patience and developmental time, but could ultimately prove to be the most prudent course of action.

Predicting the Path Forward: A Likely Scenario

Given the current circumstances, a combination of strategies seems most likely. It's improbable the Browns will continue to invest in Watson as their unquestioned starter, particularly given the cost. While a complete release feels extreme at this point, it cannot be ruled out if Watson's performance doesn't improve drastically during training camp.

Joe Flacco is almost certainly positioned to be the Week 1 starter, buying the team valuable time to assess their long-term options. The most probable outcome involves the Browns using their No. 2 pick to draft a quarterback, effectively designating him as the "quarterback of the future." This would allow Flacco to mentor the rookie and provide a stabilizing presence while the young player develops.

The next few weeks will be pivotal as the Browns navigate this challenging situation. Their decisions will not only define the quarterback position for years to come but also shape the overall direction of the franchise. The pressure is on for general manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski to make the right choices and restore the Browns to contention in the AFC North.