DESHAUN WATSON: CLEVELAND BROWNS CONSIDER TRADE OPTIONS
The Cleveland Browns are facing a tough decision regarding quarterback Deshaun Watson. Despite their belief in his abilities, the team may need to explore potential trades to alleviate the burden of his massive contract.
With three years remaining on his fully-guaranteed $230 million contract, any deal involving Watson would be complex. However, the Browns could target a team in need of a quarterback upgrade and willing to pay a premium for an underperforming QB.
ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum, a former executive with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, recently proposed a trade scenario involving the New York Giants. Tannenbaum suggests swapping Watson for Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, arguing that the Giants need to win now and cannot rely on Jones to lead them to success.
In response to Tannenbaum’s idea, ESPN Cleveland’s “The Really Big Show” questioned why Watson would be more valuable to the Giants than the Browns. Tannenbaum explained that the Browns have already proven they can win without Watson, having achieved an impressive 11-win season. By trading Watson, the Browns could potentially acquire valuable assets like Tee Higgins and Chris Jones, further improving their team.
While the Browns have demonstrated their ability to win with other quarterbacks, such as Joe Flacco and a combination of Jacoby Brissett, PJ Walker, and rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Watson’s 8-4 record over the past two seasons cannot be overlooked. However, Tannenbaum argues that Jones could step in and perform well enough for the Browns to continue their winning ways.
Alternatively, the Browns could bring back Flacco and create a quarterback competition during training camp. This would provide them with flexibility and potentially reduce their financial commitment, as Jones’ contract is worth $160 million over four years, matching the length of Watson’s contract.
As the Browns weigh their options, it remains to be seen whether they will ultimately decide to part ways with Deshaun Watson. However, one thing is clear – the team’s success without him has opened up the possibility of exploring potential trades that could benefit the franchise in the long run.
Daniel Jones, the quarterback for the New York Giants, may have a chance to revive his career in Cleveland. Despite his limited playing time in 2023 due to injury, Jones earned a $160 million extension after a successful 9-6-1 season in 2022. During that season, he threw for 3,205 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. He also showcased his rushing abilities, gaining 708 yards and scoring 7 touchdowns. Although Jones has not been known for his passing skills, he has shown promise when paired with a healthy Saquon Barkley in the backfield.
The future of Nick Chubb in a Browns uniform is uncertain for the upcoming season. However, if Chubb does stay and remains healthy, Jones could potentially make a significant impact in Cleveland. The idea of Jones transforming his career in Cleveland may seem far-fetched, but with the right circumstances, it is not entirely out of the question.
According to the Source heavy.com