The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation has taken on a notably unique character this season, a stark contrast to the conventional setups we’ve come to expect across the NFL. With Deshaun Watson’s contract standing out as an anomaly in the league, the Browns have also opted for an unusual strategy by drafting two quarterbacks—a bold move that echoes the last time the NFL saw a similar high-profile pairing like Robert Griffin III and Kirk Cousins.
Let’s take a moment to review how this quarterback room has evolved under Andrew Berry’s leadership. The composition of the position room has shifted dramatically year by year:
- 2020: A duo featuring Baker Mayfield and Case Keenum.
- 2021: The same pairing was maintained, with Mayfield and Keenum again holding the reins.
- 2022: A completely different vibe as Jacoby Brissett, Joshua Dobbs, and Kellen Mond filled the positions.
- 2023: Deshaun Watson now leads, alongside rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
- 2024: Watson is joined by veteran Jameis Winston and Thompson-Robinson.
Diving deeper into the financials, the cash outlay for the quarterbacks has fluctuated significantly:
- 2020: $8,951,180
- 2021: $11,106,770
- 2022: A staggering $60,767,500
- 2023: $47,092,268
- 2024: Forecasted at $50,915,000
Now, regarding current contracts in this evolving landscape:
- Deshaun Watson: His deal is fully guaranteed for 2025 and 2026 at $46 million each. There is also a strategic dummy year in 2027, designed for a potential post-June 1 cut, easing the financial constraints on the team.
- Joe Flacco’s contract details for 2025 are still up in the air.
- Kenny Pickett is locked in at $2,623,350 for 2025, guaranteed, alongside a handful of other notable figures with unconfirmed deals, including Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Moving on to a significant update concerning Watson, he is projected to miss the entire 2025 season after reinjuring his Achilles. Initially placed on either the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) or Non-Football Injury (NFI) list during preseason, he’ll hold a roster spot but won’t be part of the 53-man roster when the regular season kicks off. The team stands to recover some insurance funds in March 2026, a development worth monitoring.
Last December, the Browns adjusted Watson’s contract, adding that dummy year in 2027, which includes an impressive $200 million worth of contract implications. This strategic move allows for more financial flexibility; if they decide to move on from Watson in March 2027, they can spread the dead cap over the subsequent years with minimal cash impact for those seasons. This foresight puts the Browns in a position to effectively strengthen their roster depth for the 53-man lineup.
Looking ahead to 2026, there’s a solid chance Watson remains part of the roster, potentially as the third-string quarterback. There’s even the possibility that they might opt to carry four quarterbacks, adapting to the unique dynamics of the league while effectively managing their 52-man roster along with Watson’s presence. This is a decision that will be crucial as they examine their strategy in the coming year.
This offseason has set the stage for intriguing developments, positioning the Browns in a fascinating tactical landscape as they navigate Watson’s uncertain future while aiming to fortify their quarterback depth.
