Against all odds, the Cleveland Browns were able to make the playoffs this past season despite having starting quarterback Deshaun Watson for only six games. For Fox Sports’ LeSean McCoy, the clock is officially ticking on the Pro Bowl signal caller.
On Thursday’s edition of Speak, the question was posed if 2024 marks a “make or break” year for Watson. McCoy responded in the affirmative, saying that the number Watson is putting up on the field really don’t justify the Browns’ continued faith in him.
“I think it’s a make-or-break year for him… Averaged 185 yards passing – that was ranked 31st of 32 teams… Averaged 210 yards (with rushing yards) – that’s ranked 25th. Eight touchdowns, that’s ranked 24th. I guess that’s okay? Six turnovers, two pick-sixes and a fumble recovery for a touchdown? We can look at the wins at 5-1 and say that (he’s playing well) but I watched a guy like Joe Flacco… he looked better than Deshaun Watson! And he came off the couch – and he’s almost 40… he’s old. So when I see Deshaun Watson I need to see something because I’m tired of defending him. I know how good he used to be but I haven’t seen that (lately). So if he doesn’t ball out this year, it could be a break year.”
But while Watson’s reputation as an elite quarterback may suffer if he doesn’t return to form in 2024, the Browns won’t – and can’t – let him go in 2025, regardless of how the year shakes up.
Watson’s cap hit is just too massive and if his play got so poor that the Browns felt compelled to trade him, they’d be hard-pressed to get so much as a conditional pick in such a trade.
Do you think this is a make-or-break year for Watson?