After a tough season, the Browns made another move at the trade deadline, dealing Za’Darius Smith to the Detroit Lions.
This followed an earlier trade of Amari Cooper, signaling that Cleveland may be taking a longer view in a year where they’re sitting at 2-7. As the dust settled, Browns GM Andrew Berry addressed the media, though fans hoping for big reveals about the team’s future didn’t get much clarity.
Berry acknowledged that the Browns haven’t met expectations this season. When asked specifically about the future of quarterback Deshaun Watson, who’s recovering from an Achilles injury with two years left on a hefty $230 million guaranteed contract, Berry remained noncommittal. “Our focus with Deshaun right now is on his recovery from the Achilles injury,” he said, noting they’d deal with future plans “at a later moment.”
That “later moment” could be pivotal for the Browns’ long-term strategy. Watson’s acquisition has proven problematic, potentially becoming one of the NFL’s costliest moves given the guaranteed contract and injury. When asked about his thoughts on trading for Watson back in 2022, Berry kept his response short: “I’m not in reflection mode.”
While Watson showed brief flashes of potential over the last two seasons, he struggled to deliver consistently, failing to live up to his contract. Even before the injury, Watson was at risk of being benched due to subpar play.
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Berry, however, pointed out that the team’s struggles go beyond just the quarterback. “We haven’t played well as a team or as a unit on offense,” he explained, emphasizing that team performance, not just individual play, has contributed to the offense’s overall issues.
The Browns made efforts to bolster their offense by bringing in former Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, but results have been disappointing. Cleveland’s offense has surpassed 20 points just once this season—in an upset win over Baltimore with Jameis Winston at the helm. Watson, meanwhile, underperformed, and Winston’s three-touchdown debut highlighted just how concerning Watson’s lack of production had been.
Making matters more complicated is Watson’s contract, which Cleveland restructured twice over the past two years. His cap hit is set at $72.9 million for each of the next two seasons, and if the Browns were to cut him, they’d face dead cap hits between $118.9 million and $172.7 million in 2025. In other words, cutting Watson would be financially devastating.
There is, however, a way out: Cleveland could potentially trade Watson post-June 1 next year, clearing $46 million in cap space. Such a deal might look similar to the one Cleveland struck with Houston back in 2017, when they took on quarterback Brock Osweiler’s contract along with a high draft pick in exchange. Whether a trade partner would bite is uncertain, but it’s a potential exit strategy if the Browns can find the right deal.
Reflecting on the Watson trade is inevitable for many, even if Berry isn’t ready to do so. Ownership and management share responsibility, and Berry emphasized that all were on board with the acquisition.
As for Cleveland’s next steps, it’s tough to predict. Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski have brought much-needed stability to the franchise since their arrival, guiding the team to a playoff appearance and establishing a steady course amid many changes. Stefanski, who has won Coach of the Year twice, boasts a 1-2 playoff record and has kept the team competitive, despite quarterback challenges.
However, the rest of the season feels critical. With just eight games remaining, the Browns need to salvage some pride and performance to avoid a truly dark offseason. Anything less may lead to changes at multiple levels, from the coaching staff to the front office.
Playoffs may be out of reach, but Berry stressed that the team has something to fight for. “We haven’t done what’s needed for consistent wins,” he admitted. “It’s disappointing for us and for our fans. We all share in the record, from players and coaches to our personnel and research staff.”
Berry left open a small door for Watson’s potential return, stating, “There’s always a possibility.” Yet it’s becoming increasingly likely that Watson’s time in Cleveland could be nearing an end, regardless of how the front office publicly frames it.
Ultimately, the Browns are back in a familiar spot—a team with potential but no true franchise quarterback. Berry now faces the challenge of reshaping the roster and finding a viable QB solution for 2025, assuming he’s given the chance to execute that plan.