The quarterback position has become an absolute nightmare for the Cleveland Browns since they signed Deshaun Watson to that fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million megadeal in 2022.
Despite facing sexual misconduct allegations from two dozen massage therapists during his Houston Texans tenure, the Browns still hitched their wagon to Watson — and watching it play out has been nothing short of painful. What they thought was a franchise-altering move has instead morphed into one of the league’s most disastrous contracts, with Watson transforming from Pro Bowl playmaker to one of the NFL’s worst quarterbacks.
The numbers tell a brutal story: Watson has suited up for just 19 games amid suspensions and injuries, limping to a 9-10 record while throwing for only 19 touchdowns against 12 interceptions and absorbing a punishment-filled 70 sacks. His 2024 campaign was particularly disastrous — a 1-6 record with just five touchdowns, three interceptions, and a staggering 33 sacks before tearing his Achilles. On top of that, Watson re-tore that same Achilles during offseason work and now stands to miss significant time in 2025.
With the second overall pick in their pocket, the Browns could target their quarterback of the future in Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders. But draft prospects alone won’t solve their immediate crisis. Cleveland desperately needs a veteran presence under center who can navigate 2025 while Watson’s future hangs in limbo.
That’s why one NFL insider believes the Browns could end up with a $180 million quarterback.
Insider: Cleveland Browns will sign four-time Pro Bowl quarterback
With Cleveland’s quarterback room in shambles, The Athletic’s Mike Jones has proposed a fascinating potential marriage — Kirk Cousins landing with the Browns, though only if he’s ultimately released by the Atlanta Falcons.
Cousins, who inked a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed before the 2024 season, experienced his own fall from grace in Atlanta. After going 7-7 in 14 starts with 18 touchdowns and a league-leading 16 interceptions, the Falcons eventually benched the veteran in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr.
“Cousins makes so much sense for the Browns, who appear unlikely to have Deshaun Watson for some time because of the setback he experienced in his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon,” Jones wrote.
What makes this potential pairing especially intriguing? Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski and Cousins share significant history from their Minnesota days, when Stefanski served as the Vikings’ offensive coordinator and helped Cousins deliver some of his best professional seasons.
“Cousins played under Browns coach Kevin Stefanski when the latter was offensive coordinator in Minnesota and seemingly would be able to make a seamless transition to the Browns,” Jones noted.
For Cousins, Cleveland might represent the perfect redemption opportunity after his shocking Atlanta benching. He might just be the steady hand the Browns desperately need.
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