The worst contract in NFL history was handed out just a few years ago, involving the Cleveland Browns and quarterback Deshaun Watson. He was given a fully guaranteed $230 million deal. Even those unfamiliar with the sport could recognize it as a gamble with a high probability of failure.
As the saying goes, a paid musician plays poorly. With that in mind, and as anticipated, Watson has been a complete disappointment for the franchise. He has been a losing quarterback since arriving in Cleveland. On top of that, he has spent two seasons injured, essentially collecting money without contributing on the field.
For the 2026 season, he is set to return, and with Todd Monken as the new head coach, it has been stated that he will compete with the two second-year players, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, for the starting quarterback position.
However, according to new reports, the team would be willing to part ways with the signal-caller if a franchise were willing to take on his massive $44 million annual salary.
It seems Cleveland has finally grown tired of Deshaun Watson
For the Browns, it has been millions wasted. The player who arrived from the Houston Texans, where he showed promise, has delivered no results. As soon as he set foot in Cleveland, it seemed he forgot how to play at that level.
Because of this, NFL insider Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report believes the team could be ready to move him.
He’d be tough to move for financial reasons but is part of a huge stable of passers in Cleveland.”… “The Browns would likely love to part ways if they could find a taker willing to work with them on the money. … As we’ve noted, they could find a suitor for Watson if they want to leave it to the youngsters.
In 2026, Watson is entering the final year of his contract, and as mentioned, any team interested in acquiring him would have to absorb his salary, which appears nearly impossible. Therefore, the most likely scenario is that he remains in Cleveland through this final contract year and becomes a free agent in 2027.
Todd Monken still believes in Deshaun Watson
Watson has barely played over the past two years. However, he seems to have the support of new head coach Todd Monken, who appears to trust that he can regain the level he once displayed in Houston.
I think anytime that you have a player that at one time has exhibited the skillset at an elite level, I think you’re always going to give them the benefit of the doubt that somehow we might be able to get that out of him again.”… “And I think that’s how you should look at every player.
Now you’re going to have some preconceived notions obviously, because we have prior evidence, but I don’t decide who plays. The players decide who plays. I’ve never decided who plays.
The talent is there. Perhaps now deeply hidden, but if he manages to rediscover it and show something meaningful, he could emerge as a comeback player of the year candidate. For now, he must compete with Sanders and Gabriel for a spot.
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