The Cleveland Browns made waves in the NFL world when they decided to bring Deshaun Watson on board amidst a storm of legal challenges. It was a bold move, clearly banking on the hope that his on-field prowess would eventually overshadow the controversy surrounding him. However, things haven’t quite gone according to plan. Watson’s performance hasn’t matched his stellar 2020 season, and now the whispers of an early retirement loom larger than ever.
Since donning the Browns jersey, Watson’s stats have hit a snag, having racked up just 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and tossed 12 interceptions. The sharpness that once defined his game seems dulled; his pocket presence isn’t what it used to be, evidenced by him being sacked 70 times over three seasons. It’s a far cry from the quarterback who once dazzled with swift decision-making and pinpoint accuracy. Now, mistakes in his reads both before and after the snap are costing the Browns dearly, whether it’s turning the ball over or simply stalling drives.
Watson’s woes aren’t just confined to his statistics or on-field struggles. His injury record is beginning to bear a heavy weight. In the 2024 season, he managed only seven games before an Achilles injury put an abrupt end to his campaign. Hopes for a comeback in 2025 were dashed when the injury flared up again, necessitating another round of surgery this past January. The possibility of sitting out the entire 2025 season is very real.
The Browns find themselves in a position where they need to search for a new long-term leader under center, potentially sidelining Watson’s role as the starter. Even if he makes it back onto the field by 2026, he’ll be crossing into his 31st year, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering how he’ll adapt post-injury. The confidence and agility he once wielded in the pocket are now question marks.
For Watson, the grim reality might be accepting that to prevent further injuries, hanging up the cleats sooner rather than later could be wise. This decision could spare him from enduring prolonged harm in his later years. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but acknowledging the decline in his game might be a better legacy move than pushing through and risking further setbacks. Retirement could very well be the graceful exit that preserves the narrative of one of his prime years, rather than the ongoing tale of struggle.
