Deshaun Watson will get first attempt at Browns’ QB job

Even with that being the case, there is still a path that makes the most sense for the Browns.

And it probably isn’t Watson.

The only logical reason for Watson to get the starting job, and the only logical reason for him to still be on the team, is because ownership and management saddled the franchise with one of the worst contracts in NFL history and are still hoping to get something out of it. The Browns signed Watson to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract after trading multiple first-round picks to the Houston Texans to acquire him before the 2022 season.

It has been a total failure almost from day one. 

Aside from the negative PR that Watson brought to the organization given his off-field scandals in Houston, Watson has only played in 19 games for the Browns over the past four years, compiling a 9-10 record.

Given that he also missed the entirety of the 2021 season, that means Watson has only played in 19 out of a possible 85 regular-season games. That’s not a lot of football, and there has been even less good football. Add in the fact that he is going to be 31 years old when the season begins and is coming off multiple Achilles injuries; it is just hard to see how any of this has a positive result. 

For him or the Browns.

He’s simply not good anymore, has not been good for several years, and is in a terrible position to turn that around. 

You should know what you are getting here. 

At least with Sanders, there is the mystery of the unknown.

While his ceiling may not be as high as it was thought to be when he was going into his final season at the University of Colorado, there is still the chance that he might develop into something of an answer. There is at least more upside here and the chance for something useful. The Browns should also want to find out once and for all what Sanders can actually do in the NFL.

If he plays horribly and the team tanks, you at least know Sanders is not your answer and have a chance to try and draft your next long-term quarterback at the top of the 2027 NFL Draft.

Playing Watson likely gets you in the same position, without finding out if a guy you just drafted a year ago can play or not.