Get ready for a wild ride as we dive into the world of NFL roster planning!
The Cleveland Browns' Bold Move: Keeping Deshaun Watson
Despite the fact that quarterback Deshaun Watson is unlikely to take the field this season, the Cleveland Browns are making a strategic move by keeping him on their roster for the upcoming season, according to league sources. But here's where it gets controversial...
The Browns opened the practice window for Watson, but their primary goal is to ensure he stays connected to the game, even if he's not playing. They want to give him a taste of practice this season so he doesn't go into next spring completely rusty.
Their plan is to thoroughly evaluate both their rookie quarterbacks, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Sanders will be starting his third NFL game this Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, while Gabriel has been in the mix since the beginning of the season. The Browns aim to give their rookies as much playing time as possible, hoping to gain valuable insights into their potential.
Cleveland's long-term vision is to thoroughly assess their quarterback situation, especially with the upcoming 2026 NFL draft on the horizon, where they currently hold two first-round picks.
So, why are the Browns so confident about Watson's return next season? Money plays a significant role. Letting him go would be an expensive move, resulting in a dead salary cap charge of nearly $135 million if released before June 1, or a $53 million cap charge if designated as a post-June 1 cap casualty. To put that into perspective, the previous record for dead cap money was held by the Denver Broncos with Russell Wilson, who incurred charges of $53 million and $32 million over two years, totaling $85 million. Watson's salary cap charge in 2026 is projected to be a whopping $81.7 million, making it the highest in NFL history.
The Browns believe Watson has brought value to their quarterback room, providing a veteran presence that has benefited the rookie quarterbacks. This, along with other factors, has led to Watson's return to practice last week and the expectation that he'll be back with the team next season.
And this is the part most people miss... Watson's presence isn't just about his talent on the field. It's about the impact he can have on the entire quarterback room, mentoring and guiding the younger players.
So, what do you think? Is keeping Watson a smart move for the Browns? Or should they consider other options? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
