Deshaun Watson's contract continues to hinder the Browns

The ceiling and overall success of the Cleveland Browns all comes down to how well quarterback Deshaun Watson plays.

In 12 starts for Cleveland, Watson is completing less than 60 percent of his passes while throwing 14 touchdowns to 9 interceptions. His QBR over the last two seasons averages to just 41.7.

It’s needless to say that the Browns haven’t gotten what they paid for when they gave Watson a fully-guaranteed $230 million contract, which is why PFN’s Dallas Robinson tabbed Watson as the worst contract on the Browns’ roster, and as one of the worst in the NFL.

“The Browns’ 2022 Deshaun Watson acquisition will go down as one of the worst trades in NFL history, and the quarterback’s contract remains a total impediment,” Robinson wrote. “Cleveland gave up three first-round picks to land Watson while he was facing 24 allegations of sexual assault before signing him to a fully guaranteed $230 million extension. No other NFL team has followed suit with a fully guaranteed contract for their quarterback, while Watson has been abysmal as Cleveland’s starter. Injuries and a suspension have limited him to 12 games over two seasons. Watson’s 42.9 QBR would’ve ranked 24th league-wide in 2023 if he’d posted enough attempts to qualify.”

The Browns were 11-6 last season despite going through five quarterbacks. That said, their magic carpet ride came to a screeching halt against the Houston Texans in the wildcard round. They will need Watson to become the player they paid for to raise their ceiling and to get far in the AFC playoffs.