The Cleveland Browns just handed Deshaun Watson the keys to their offense for Week 1, banking on him to deliver their first 2-0 start since way back in 1993. But get this: if he doesn’t hit that mark, it’s virtually impossible to see him starting beyond Week 2. The pressure on Watson is beyond intense, and Cleveland has trapped themselves financially with nowhere to go.
The Do-or-Die Week 2 Showdown
Watson’s job security is hanging by a thread, and the bar for him to keep that starting gig past Week 2 is ridiculously high. If he stumbles, don’t expect him to be under center for those upcoming home games against the Panthers in Week 3 or the Steelers in Week 4. It’s a make-or-break situation right out of the gate, and everyone in the league is watching to see if this 2026 experiment pays off or implodes instantly. They’re hoping for a historical 2-0 start, but the leash is incredibly short.
Cleveland’s $86.1 Million Dead Money Nightmare
Here’s the brutal truth: if this Watson experiment fails, the Browns are totally handcuffed. Cutting or trading him this season is absolutely not an option. Why? Because they’ve restructured his monster $230 million contract, pushing a mind-boggling $86.1 million into 2027 and beyond. If they cut or trade him *this year*, they’d get slammed with that entire $86.1 million dead-money charge in 2027. One of those restructurings even guarantees they’ll release him early in the 2027 league year, setting them up for a $34.6 million cap hit in 2027 and another $51.5 million in 2028. The best-case worst-case scenario? They pay his remaining $1.3 million salary for the year and he’s just not around for practices or games. That’s how stuck they are with him.
So, whether Watson shines or fizzles, he’s a Brown for the long haul because of that financial mess. All eyes are on Week 1 and that all-important Week 2 performance. If he can’t get them to 2-0, Cleveland’s got a whole new kind of problem on their hands, one that’ll haunt them for years.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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