The QB’s injury confirmed what many fans already suspected: the Browns’ decision to hand Deshaun Watson a $230 million contract may go down as the worst in NFL history.
Cleveland’s fanbase was rife with emotion heading into the Sunday matchup against the Bengals. Some fans couldn’t hide their feelings, greeting Watson with loud boos as he took the field. In stark contrast, they erupted in cheers for running back Nick Chubb, who was making his return after a long injury absence.
However, Watson’s day took a devastating turn in the second quarter when he suffered what ESPN reported as a ruptured Achilles tendon, effectively ending his season—and possibly his career. As he was carted off the field in tears, emotions ran high in Cleveland. For some, there was a sense of catharsis, a belief that karma had intervened. Others felt genuine sadness; no one wants to see a player get injured, despite Watson’s struggles both on and off the field. Interestingly, there were moments of scattered cheers when he went down, a reaction Cleveland cornerback Greg Newsome II later characterized as “bullshit.”
Regret lingered among all Browns fans, deep regret. If handing Watson $230 million in guaranteed money in 2022 wasn’t already considered the worst contract in NFL history, Sunday’s injury sealed that fate.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam set a troubling precedent with that contract, the largest guaranteed deal in NFL history, awarded to a player facing nearly certain suspension related to sexual misconduct allegations (which ultimately resulted in an 11-game ban). Haslam’s expectation that Watson the player would redeem Watson the person fell flat from the get-go.
Watson’s debut didn’t come until Week 13 of the 2022 season, and his performance was underwhelming at best. He looked nothing like the efficient and explosive quarterback the Texans once had. The Browns, with Watson at the helm, finished 2022 with a disappointing 7-10 record.
In his second season, Watson’s tenure was further marred by a shoulder injury. Joe Flacco stepped in and helped the team reach the playoffs, but it was largely due to the Browns’ formidable defense rather than Watson’s contributions.
Hope for Watson’s resurgence quickly faded this season. The Browns currently sit at 1-6, and during Sunday’s loss to Cincinnati, Watson yet again failed to exceed 200 passing yards. He ranks last in QBR among qualified quarterbacks. Transitioning away from him will be a costly endeavor, too, as he’s guaranteed $46 million per year for the last two years of his contract. The Browns find themselves in a predicament, as few other franchises are foolish enough to take on Watson and his hefty deal.
From a purely football perspective, Watson’s time in Cleveland has been a failure. Add in the weight of the more than 24 sexual misconduct allegations against him, and the Browns’ decision-making appears even more baffling (although Watson has settled multiple lawsuits, he has not faced criminal charges). For many fans, including those in Cleveland, not even a stellar passer rating could erase the troubling cloud that hangs over Watson.
Moving past this grim chapter will take time, though some may struggle to grasp its significance. After the game, Jameis Winston, who filled in as quarterback for Cleveland, expressed gratitude for serving alongside Watson but was visibly upset by the backlash directed at someone he felt had been unjustly persecuted over the last four years. Perhaps it’s worth considering why Watson faced such hostility in the first place.
Turning to brighter highlights of the week, Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions made waves with a brilliant performance, throwing a gorgeous 35-yard touchdown to Amon-Ra St. Brown during their comeback win against the previously undefeated Minnesota Vikings. Goff’s impressive statistics—22 completions on 25 attempts for 280 yards and two touchdowns—mark his third straight game with a passer rating exceeding 140, joining the ranks of legends like Aaron Rodgers and Kurt Warner.
In another eye-catching highlight, running back Saquon Barkley put on a show for the bruised Giants, rushing for 176 yards against his former team in a dominant 28-3 win.
Defensive plays have also grabbed headlines this week, particularly Patrick Mahomes’ remarkable 33-yard run that showcased his agility and toughness. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 28-18, with Mahomes navigating pressure and demonstrating creativity on the field.
Around the league, the Washington Commanders are carving out their spot at 5-2 following a decisive 40-7 victory over the Carolina Panthers, while the New York Jets are struggling to find their footing after their mid-season shakeup, falling to 2-5 after a heavy loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
And in Buffalo, Amari Cooper made a memorable impression with his first catch and touchdown as a Bill, helping propel his team to a 34-10 victory over the Titans.
As the season continues, teams and fans alike are left to navigate the highs and lows, with plenty of storylines yet to unfold.
