Deshaun Watson’s time as the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback may be nearing its end, as reports suggest the team is preparing to move in a different direction.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the Browns are widely expected to use the second overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft to select one of this year’s top quarterback prospects—either Miami’s Cam Ward or Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. This move would signal a major shift for Cleveland, potentially marking the end of Watson’s tenure with the franchise.
“There’s a strong chance Watson has played his final game as a Brown. Cleveland is thinking about what comes next at the position,” Graziano reported.
If Watson’s time in Cleveland is indeed over, it would bring a disappointing and tumultuous chapter to a close. The Browns made a bold move to acquire Watson in 2022, sending three years’ worth of first-round picks to the Houston Texans in exchange for the quarterback.
They also handed Watson an unprecedented five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract, a deal that has since become one of the most scrutinized in NFL history.
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At the time of the trade, Watson was already facing allegations of sexual misconduct from more than 20 women, casting a cloud over his acquisition. On the field, his impact has been minimal. Since arriving in Cleveland, Watson has played in just 19 games across two seasons, never appearing in more than seven games in a single year. His tenure has been plagued by injuries, inconsistent performances, and a general lack of chemistry with the offense.
Most recently, Watson suffered a re-ruptured right Achilles tendon, an injury that could potentially sideline him for the entire 2025 season. Even when healthy, his performances have not lived up to expectations, often being outshined by backup quarterbacks who stepped in during his absences.
The Browns now face a complex financial challenge in deciding their next steps. Watson’s fully guaranteed contract means he is still owed $92 million over the next two seasons. Finding a way to move on from Watson’s deal without crippling the team’s salary cap will be a difficult task.
Selecting a rookie quarterback in the draft could provide a cost-effective way for the Browns to transition to a new era at the position while mitigating some of the financial strain caused by Watson’s contract.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Cleveland to see how they handle the quarterback situation.
Whether the Browns officially move on from Watson or attempt to navigate a complicated financial landscape, the decision will have lasting ramifications for the franchise’s future.
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