Watson’s position under scrutiny as Browns minicamp kicks off
Deshaun Watson started minicamp as the Browns’ highest-paid player, but he’s not their starting quarterback. After suffering another injury last season, it seems likely that Shedeur Sanders will open the year ahead of him on the depth chart.
The selection of Sanders in this year’s draft signalled a new direction for Cleveland. Sanders was drafted for a reason – and it’s not to watch from the bench.
“I feel like I’m at a better position mentally, physically, emotionally than where I was before,” Watson told reporters. “But that was all part of my journey.”
Why the case against Watson is building
What’s on tape and what’s on paper tell very different stories. Since Watson joined Cleveland, he’s struggled to produce, and his fully guaranteed contract has become a warning sign for teams across the league.
The coaches have seen that downturn first-hand, and they’re more focused on what gives them the best chance to win right now than protecting the front office’s past decisions. Just leaving the competition open already says plenty about where things stand.
On the financial side, Cleveland’s decision to fully guarantee Watson’s deal doesn’t leave them with many options. They’re paying him no matter what, and there’s an argument that sticking with a veteran – especially one who seems motivated this offseason – provides more stability than throwing a rookie straight into the fire.
Why Watson’s contract shouldn’t dictate the decision
Benching the team’s highest-paid player would kick up a storm, and any early struggles from the other quarterbacks would quickly lead to calls for Watson to be reinstated.
There’s a growing feeling that moving on from Watson makes more sense, even with the financial commitment involved. Paying him is already a given – but playing him doesn’t have to be.
If Sanders or anyone else looks like a better fit, the contract should stay out of it. Monken keeping things open hints that the staff might already lean that way, even if they’re not ready to say it just yet.
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