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The Cleveland Browns have had a problem on their hands with controversial quarterback Deshaun Watson ever since they foolishly traded for him and handed him an outrageous fully-guaranteed contract, but just how much of an issue he is seemed to fully and finally set in on Sunday.
In Sunday’s 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Deshaun Watson, in his third season as a member of the Cleveland Browns, was downright terrible, completing 24 of 45 passes for 169 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Having seen aging quarterbacks like Joe Flacco operate effectively within the Browns’ offense, the rest of the roster must be wondering how much longer the franchise will give Watson to get his act together.
Patience already appears to be running thin on the field, as video from Sunday’s loss shows offensive guard Joel Bitonio seemingly refusing Watson’s help up after recovering his fumble.
Anyone else see Bitonio refuse help from Watson after he recovers his fumble?? Not a great sign… @KenCarman @reflog #Browns pic.twitter.com/V4t1Wg9dHQ
— Hugh Jassol (@JohnnyNicks216) September 8, 2024
In addition to handing him a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal — which still owes Watson $138 million — the Browns also sacrificed five draft picks, including three first-rounders, in order to acquire the former Heisman Trophy winner. Watson has cap hits of $72.9 million in both 2025 and 2026.
The reason that the Browns were even able to acquire Watson, who was a Pro Bowler earlier in his career, was due to the 28-year-old signal-caller having over 20 allegations of sexual misconduct against him.
After opening their season at home against Dak Prescott — who actually overtook Watson as having the highest-guaranteed contract in NFL history over the weekend — and the Dallas Cowboys, the Cleveland Browns will head on the road as they look to get their first win of the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are also having quarterback issues with Trevor Lawrence.