News Summary
The Cleveland Browns are grappling with a quarterback crisis as fans call for a change in leadership. Baker Mayfield thrives elsewhere, while Dillon Gabriel’s struggles and Deshaun Watson’s uncertain status complicate the team’s future. Coach Stefanski offers no updates, and financial implications from Watson’s contract loom large as they seek stability for the remainder of the season.
Cleveland is currently facing significant turmoil with the Browns’ quarterback situation, further complicated by the recent performances of other quarterbacks in the league. Most notably, Baker Mayfield is having an MVP season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while newly traded Joe Flacco secured a win for the Cincinnati Bengals against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football. Meanwhile, the Browns’ own quarterbacks’ status remains uncertain.
Fans of the Cleveland Browns are increasingly calling for Shedeur Sanders to be promoted as the starting quarterback, expressing dissatisfaction with rookie Dillon Gabriel, who currently leads the team but holds an 0-2 record in his starts. Deshaun Watson, who has been rehabilitating from an Achilles injury and has been sidelined for a significant portion of the season, remains a point of contention among fans and analysts. His future with the team is in limbo, leading to rising frustrations among the fanbase.
Watson, who signed a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, was recently involved in dispute on social media after liking a tweet that criticized head coach Kevin Stefanski’s strategies. The tweet raised questions about Watson’s abilities as a quarterback, suggesting that others perform better when they move away from ineffective coaching situations. This controversy adds to an already chaotic atmosphere surrounding the Browns as they navigate their recovery.
The Browns are currently in a state of instability at the quarterback position, having previously traded Flacco and moved on from Kenny Pickett earlier in the season. Given Watson’s injury and the ongoing situation, the team is reportedly looking to add another quarterback to their practice squad after recent tryouts. Currently, Dillon Gabriel is in the starting role, while Shedeur Sanders has been named the backup QB2, with Bailey Zappe positioned as the third-string quarterback.
Adding to the Browns’ challenges, reports indicate that Watson may still be about a month away from being cleared for any football activities. Despite his high-profile signing, the team has faced financial implications from restructuring his contract multiple times, which could affect their cap space until 2029. If the Browns were to terminate Watson’s contract, they would incur a staggering cap hit of $131.161 million, creating additional complications for the organization’s financial health.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged that there is “no real update” on Watson’s status, as the team focuses on stabilizing through the remainder of the season. The Browns find themselves in a precarious situation as they attempt to manage both their short-term and long-term quarterback needs without the presence of their key player.
The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback crisis heavy not only impacts their gameplay but also significantly influences their overall path for the remainder of the season. As fans express discontentment and the organization navigates through injuries and complicated finances, the pressing question remains: who will ultimately lead the team in the coming games?
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Additional Resources
- Dawgs By Nature: Browns No Interest in Deshaun Watson
- Google Search: Deshaun Watson
- Sports Illustrated: Deshaun Watson’s Controversy
- Wikipedia: Cleveland Browns
- Heavy: Deshaun Watson Health Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Football League
- Newsweek: Kevin Stefanski on Watson
- Google News: Kevin Stefanski
- Times of India: Deshaun Watson Injury Update
- Cleveland.com: Browns Takeaways on Watson

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