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So, is this better or worse Browns fans? You no longer have to watch a player you don't like, making an obscene amount of money, playing poorly. On the other hand, any hope you had of trading him has flown the coop.
I'm not going to chastise you like most of the media or Watson's teammates, I understand, it's the only way you can make your feelings known outside of not buying tickets or jerseys (and we both know you're not doing that).
With that said, I feel like there is a sliver of hope in all this, for the rest of the season at any rate. OC Ken Dorsey has taken over play-calling for the Browns, meaning that the coordinator gets to call his own offense. In addition Jameis Winston is a proven starter, and while I may not be his biggest fan, he can certainly play the position. Making the playoffs might be out of the question, but at least the possibility of watching better football exists.
Baltimore (5-2) @ Cleveland (1-6)
Kickoff - 1p CBS
Line - Ravens -9 O/u 44.5
Series - Ravens lead 36-14
Last meeting - Browns 33-31 November 12, 2023 in Baltimore, MD
Where does the Browns/Watson relationship go from here?
First, cutting Deshaun Watson after the 2024 season would cost the Browns just shy of $100M or roughly 36% of the 2025 salary cap. That's what we in the biz call a "nonstarter". Cutting him after June 1 isn't a lot better, but does cut that number by a little more than half ($46M- also against the 2025 cap), still probably far too much to just burn.
The soonest the Browns could (reasonably) be clear of Watson is likely Post-June 1 of 225 when he would have a dead-cap hit of $72.9M but they at least avoid having that count against the 2026 cap. The real sticking point is that there is no possible way to both CUT Watson and SAVE cap space because of his fully guaranteed deal.
Now, I suppose there might be discussions between the Jimmy Haslam and the front office as to where do they see the Brownies going in the next two years, a complete restructuring or tweaking things here and there. Does the fan base have the stomach for another down-to-the-studs rebuild? Do you hold onto players like Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward who would be aged 34 and 31 for the 2028 NFL season (assuming everything goes right and it's a three year rebuild)?
Could they keep Watson on the team and simply NOT play him? Maybe, I think the NFLPA might have some things to say about that though. Could you trust him to not be a nuisance and keep his mouth shut to the press? Would you even want him around the young players?
I have zero idea where things might be going, but I don't think it's anywhere Browns fans a) haven't been before, or b) want to go again.
Bits and Baubles
Browns - Jameis Winston will be starting his first game since 2022 this Sunday. While Derrick Henry has had a career year, he has struggled against the Browns historically ,averaging only 3.1YPC and only 184 yards rushing with a single TD. The Browns are the only team to have NOT scored 20 points in a game this season.
Ravens - Derrick Henry has had at least one 25+ yard run in each of his last six games while also leading the NFL in rushing and TDs. Lamar Jackson leads the league with a passer rating of 118.0. Baltimore is 10-2 in its last twelve road games.
Injury Report
Browns
Nyheim Hines - RB - OUT-IR (Knee)
Deshaun Watson - QB - OUT-IR (Achilles)
Jedrick Wills Jr. - OT - OUT (Knee)
Jerome Ford - RB - OUT (Hamstring)
Ronnie Hickman - S - OUT (Ankle)
Jordan Hicks - LB - OUT (Elbow)
Ravens
T.J. Tampa - CB - OUT (Ankle)
Keaton Mitchell - RB - OUT (Knee)
Rasheen Ali - RB - OUT (Ankle)
Zay Flowers - WR - Questionable (Ankle)
Marlon Humphries - CB - Doubtful (Knee)
Nate Wiggins - CB - Questionable (Shoulder/Illness)
Fantasy Advice
With Amari Cooper gone, everyone bumps up in the receiving corps, look for Charles Tillman to be targeted multiple times in the deep pass game as Jameis Winston loves to throw it deep. It was great seeing Nick Chubb back in action, the yards (22) were a little on the skinny side, but getting in the end zone is always good to see, continue to temper expectations, but you'll be glad you have him as an option as we get later into the season.
It looks like Mark Andrews is emerging from his season-long funk, having finally cracked the end zone last Monday Night. Rashod Bateman looks like he's figured out playing receiver in the NFL and if Zay Flowers misses any time after what looked like a possibly bad ankle injury, Bateman should be in like for additional targets (Isaiah Likely probably will too).
Prediction
Ravens 31-23
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