The Cleveland Browns are in freefall after a rough start to the season, standing at 1-5 after six games. With losses piling up, the Browns have already begun offloading veteran players, like star wide receiver Amari Cooper, to accumulate draft capital for the future. As fans brace for more possible trades, the team’s overall performance has been a massive disappointment, leaving many to wonder if a full-blown rebuild is on the horizon.

Amid these trade moves, Deshaun Watson’s performance—or lack thereof- remains the biggest concern. The quarterback’s uninspired play has contributed to the Browns’ offensive woes, as they’ve failed to score more than 20 points in any game this season. Despite this, head coach Kevin Stefanski insists that Watson is still their best chance at winning. “I think Deshaun gives us the best chance to win,” Stefanski reiterated, doubling down on Watson’s starting role despite his poor form.

According to an NFL insider, the upcoming trade deadline could see a lot of action, especially with wide receivers. Big name like Davante Adams has already been dealt, and more could follow. The insider mentioned players like Diontae Johnson, Jonathan Mingo, Adam Thielen, and DeAndre Hopkins as potential trade targets. “If you’re looking for one of those, you could find yourself getting a decent piece,” he said.

The Cleveland Browns, having already traded for Amari Cooper, could be sellers if they keep losing. Whether they offload more talent depends on their performance in the coming weeks. The insider highlighted that these next few games are crucial, saying, “These next three weeks help influence whether a team will or won’t be active at the trade deadline.”

For Browns’ fans, this news couldn’t be worse. Watson’s inefficiency and the team’s dismal offense have left many questioning why the Browns aren’t considering benching him, especially with the trade market buzzing. NFL insider Adam Schefter’s latest trade list didn’t provide any hope that the Browns are considering moving on from Watson. The team’s strategy seems to involve selling off other veterans like Cooper, yet Watson, the most problematic piece, remains untouched.

The trade deadline is approaching fast and Browns fans are left hoping for drastic changes, but so far, the team’s reluctance to part with their $170 million dilemma is signaling more pain ahead.

Deshaun Watson’s $230M gamble: Pressure mounts as Browns struggle to justify their franchise QB

Deshaun Watson’s contract with the Cleveland Browns is both massive and unique. After being traded from Houston in 2022, he signed a fully guaranteed $230 million, five-year deal. His annual $46 million salary seemed simple, but the Browns have restructured it twice, pushing his future cap hits to an eye-watering $72.9 million in 2025 and 2026. Despite Watson’s struggles, particularly in 2024, Cleveland is forced to stick with him. Cutting him would result in a staggering $173 million dead cap hit.

Former Browns GM Michael Lombardi didn’t mince words, criticizing Watson’s lack of motivation. “He’s rich and is guaranteed rich,” Lombardi remarked, suggesting Watson has lost his drive to perform at an elite level, further adding, “He’s lost his motivation, his drive, his pride to be great.”

While fans question the team’s commitment, coach Kevin Stefanski is determined to stay the course. Despite a 1-5 start to the 2024 season, Stefanski dismissed the idea of benching Watson for Jameis Winston, stating the team is committed to their franchise QB.

Star defender Myles Garrett chimed in, supporting Watson: “We need to not make his job so hard.” But with an offense that hasn’t reached 20 points in any game this season, the pressure on Watson is undeniable. Whether Watson can rediscover his Pro Bowl form remains the question Browns fans are anxiously waiting to see answered.