Ex-GM Warns Browns Over Deshaun Watson Decision

A former NFL general manager has issued a sharp warning to the Cleveland Browns about their handling of the Deshaun Watson situation, arguing that the organization's commitment to Watson is creating a roster construction problem that could set the franchise back for years.

The core of the warning is financial: Watson's fully guaranteed $230 million contract consumes roughly 20% of the Browns' salary cap, limiting the team's ability to surround him with the talent needed to compete. With Watson's performance declining and availability uncertain due to ongoing legal issues, the former GM argues the Browns need to prepare a transition plan rather than continuing to double down.

The Browns have restructured Watson's contract multiple times to create short-term cap space, but each restructuring pushes dead money further into the future. If Watson is released after the 2026 season, the team would face approximately $90 million in dead cap charges, an unprecedented figure that would effectively cripple roster construction for two seasons.

The alternative, keeping Watson and hoping for a return to form, carries its own risks. His quarterback rating has declined in each of the past three seasons, and his completion percentage ranked 31st among qualifying quarterbacks last year.

What This Means For You: The Watson contract is a case study in the risks of fully guaranteed deals for quarterbacks. If you are a Browns fan, the path forward is painful either way. If you follow NFL business, watch how this situation resolves. It will influence how teams structure quarterback contracts for the next decade. The era of fully guaranteed deals may end here.