Deshaun Watson’s $230 million recovery arc? Yeah, the injury in the 2024 season threw another wrench into the plans. So, obviously, the Dawg Pound wasn’t buying that this guy could be their gunslinger. You see, last season was supposed to be his time, especially after missing most of 2023 with a fractured shoulder.

Alas, it was not to be, as he barely made it through seven games in 2024 before suffering a devastating Achilles tear against the Bengals. Okay, so, let’s forget all the seasons and hope for the best from the 2025 season? Yeah, about that… Sigh!

His recovery was going smoothly until it wasn’t and in January he tore his Achilles again! How did this happen? Was it bad luck? A misstep in recovery? Or something else entirely? Speculation ran wild, with some fans even hoping—yes, hoping—that this injury could void the remaining years of Watson’s massive, fully guaranteed deal. But Browns’ GM Andrew Berry shut down those rumors fast.

“Unfortunately, he turned his foot (or) ankle that caused the re-tear during the normal stages of the recovery process,” Berry said at the NFL Combine. “I know there’s been a lot of speculation… but there’s nothing nefarious. It’s just an unfortunate accident.” In other words, no wild off-the-field mishaps. Just an example of ‘Luck NOT favoring the brave.’

But Watson doesn’t want to be brave. He believes in GOD. He has faith. And he dropped a training video this week, boot and all, grinding through workouts at Cleveland’s facility. The message? He’s still here, still working, still locked in. Then days later he posted a carousel with 15 gym snaps and captioned it: “4OVE x GODSPEED [Psalms 46:10].”

Psalm 46:10 states, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” So, we know the mentality Deshaun’s going into the new season with. ‘I am doing what I must, and I can, leaving the rest to god.’ Faith’s a good thing to have. Full respect to him.

But let’s be honest—how much of the Dawg Pound is still barking for him?

You see, it’s just the deal and no numbers to reciprocate it with, has what hurt the Browns fans. The stats? 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 19 games since coming to Cleveland. If you are thinking what I am, then you know what the whole fandom has been going through.

A lot is wrong with that stat sheet. But the elephant in the room: just 19 games in 3 seasons?

Now, here we are… With Watson set to carry a staggering $72.9 million cap hit in 2025 and 2026, the Browns are in a financial chokehold. The team has some cap relief options if Watson can’t play, but let’s be real—this situation is a nightmare. No franchise wants their highest-paid player sidelined two years in a row. That’s where the whole theory of ‘getting another QB for a year’ has come into play.

Does Deshaun Watson need a competition to get the best out of him?

I mean, it’s a last resort play. But if it’s going to work, then what’s the harm? And who else than Russell Wilson to give him that? Hear me out: The man’s already not loved in Steel City anymore, after failing to take them to the promised land and falling short in the playoff again.

“I would be very surprised if Russell Wilson, under any circumstances, is back in Pittsburgh,” said Tom Pelissero. Translation? The Steelers have moved on, and Wilson needs a new home. The Browns are still in the mix, but Wilson reportedly prefers the Giants. Would he really pass up a shot at a QB battle in Cleveland?

Let’s be real—if the Browns sign Wilson, it’s not just about insurance. It’s about pressure. Deshaun Watson hasn’t had any real competition in Cleveland. Maybe he needs that extra push, someone right there to make sure he doesn’t get too comfortable. Because right now, he’s a fully guaranteed $230 million question mark.

And if Russ can give them a Sam Darnold in Minnesota-esque year, that’s GOLD for Dawg Pound… Something over 4000+ yards, 25+ TDs, and less than 10 INTs, and the Browns have got themselves a winner. If the 36-year-old DangeRussWilson could bring one out of his locker before he hangs his cleats, then it will also be a dub for his career.

Meanwhile, there’s the draft, too. Cleveland’s been linked to multiple quarterbacks, including Shedeur Sanders. The buzz is growing. Todd McShay even said Sanders is “absolutely in play” for the Browns at No. 2. If Cleveland is even considering drafting a QB that high, what does that say about their faith in Watson?

So, what’s next? Watson is rehabbing, Wilson is weighing his options, and the Browns have some big decisions ahead. If they bring in competition, we’ll find out soon enough—does Watson thrive under pressure, or is Cleveland about to make another expensive mistake?