Overview
- Jimmy Haslam told The Athletic the franchise is "suffering" from the 2022 Watson move and praised Kevin Stefanski’s leadership during recent struggles.
- Cleveland surrendered three first-rounders and other picks for Watson, then signed him to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract with massive future cap hits.
- The outgoing draft capital helped produce multiple contributors elsewhere, including Jordan Davis, Dameon Pierce, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jalin Hyatt, Cade Stover and Brian Thomas Jr.
- Watson remains on the PUP list rehabbing an Achilles injury, with further medical evaluation scheduled after the Browns’ bye week, and he has been a sideline resource for rookies per QB coach Bill Musgrave.
- With a 2-5 start, Cleveland has turned to rookie Dillon Gabriel, with fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders in the mix, after a Week 7 31-6 win over Miami offered brief momentum.