Despite facing numerous injuries, the Cleveland Browns had a commendable 2023 season, finishing with an 11-6 record and clinching the No. 5 seed in the AFC. However, their playoff journey was cut short when they were defeated by the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round.
A significant setback occurred when quarterback Deshaun Watson sustained a displaced fracture in his right glenoid during a Week 10 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. This injury further exacerbated concerns surrounding Watson’s availability, as he has struggled with injuries since joining the Browns.
Since his acquisition, Watson has only managed to appear in 12 games over two seasons. In 2022, he served an 11-game suspension before making a return for the final six games. In the absence of Watson, the Browns turned to veteran Joe Flacco, 39, who admirably led the team, prompting speculation about Watson’s role within the team.
The trade to acquire Watson from the Houston Texans came at a steep cost for the Browns, involving multiple high draft picks in addition to other selections. However, the anticipated benefits of the trade have not materialized as expected, raising doubts about its effectiveness.
ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz has proposed an intriguing suggestion for the Browns in the upcoming 2024 offseason. He advocates for the team to introduce competition for Watson, citing statistics that demonstrate the offense’s improved performance with alternative quarterbacks over the past two seasons.
Despite Watson’s hefty $230 million contract, his on-field performance has been underwhelming, with declining QBR numbers compared to other quarterbacks who have filled in for him. With a formidable defense, the Browns cannot afford to squander their potential due to inconsistent quarterback play.
In the past two seasons, Watson has thrown for 2,217 yards, 14 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. To mitigate the risk of continued underperformance, it would be prudent for the Cleveland Browns to bolster their quarterback depth by bringing in additional talent to ensure that the team’s strong roster does not go to waste.
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