Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has handed over play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey as the team faces a difficult situation with quarterback Deshaun Watson’s contract and injuries.
The Browns are relying on Dorsey to navigate a challenging position, as the team is struggling and Dorsey has the task of trying to turn things around. With quarterback Jameis Winston stepping in for the injured Watson, the team hopes to see improvement, but the burden of Watson’s massive contract hangs over the franchise like a heavy weight.
Watson, who was placed on injured reserve with a season-ending injury for the second year in a row, has become a major financial problem for the Browns. His fully guaranteed contract, which is rare in the NFL in terms of value, length, and position, ties the team to Watson for several more years. Even if the Browns were to release him now, they would still owe him almost $120 million in dead cap space, with over $80 million more in 2025.
Next year, the situation doesn’t improve much, with Watson’s contract creating significant cap hits, far exceeding the record-breaking $85 million the Broncos are dealing with after parting ways with Russell Wilson. By 2025, Watson’s cap hit is projected to be $118.94 million, with another $53 million added to the books for 2026. Watson won’t become a free agent until 2027, and there’s no way for the Browns to recover the three first-round draft picks they gave up to acquire him from the Texans.
Despite these financial burdens, Watson’s performance on the field has been underwhelming. Since joining the Browns, he has played only 19 games, thrown 19 touchdown passes, and holds a 9-10 record, following an 11-game suspension in 2022. Frustration among fans in Cleveland has grown, with some even cheering when Watson got injured during a recent game.
The Browns now face a crucial decision on how to move forward with Watson. General Manager Andrew Berry and head coach Stefanski are not expected to be fired this season or in the offseason, as both signed long-term contract extensions earlier this year. However, the team needs to figure out its future path with Watson.
Stefanski remains supportive of Watson, despite the challenges. After Watson’s latest injury, Stefanski said, “This is a tough break for him, but I know he’ll bounce back. He’s been a great contributor to this football team in the locker room, on the practice field, and on the game field. We’ll support him as he rehabs from that injury. I know what he brings to the table for this football team.”
In the meantime, the Browns will continue to navigate a difficult situation with Dorsey calling plays and Winston taking over as quarterback.