Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is quickly becoming irrelevant in the NFL. His name is coming off of college football record books.
Watson suffered a torn Achilles in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Press conferences with Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski were becoming awkward before the injury, as reporters kept asking if Cleveland planned to bench the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback due to his struggles in 2024.
The Cleveland Browns made a decision on Deshaun Watson
Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Browns appeared to make a decision on Friday to keep Watson on the roster for 2025.
“The Browns have agreed to terms on a restructured contract for quarterback Deshaun Watson with an adjustment aimed at easing future salary cap burden and signaling Watson is expected to be on Cleveland’s roster next season, sources say,” Rapoport wrote. The new deal doesn’t affect Watson’s 2025 contract, but it does solidify Cleveland’s plans for the QB.
“Watson…is still due $92 million fully guaranteed over the next two seasons, and that has not changed, nor did Watson take any less money or give up any of his guaranteed salary. The new parameters of the deal would make his contract easier to manage following the 2026 season, when his deal expires.”
While the Browns appear stuck with one of the worst contracts in NFL history, Watson is watching some of his college legacy crumble.
Kyle McCord broke Watson’s record
During Syracuse’s 52-35 win over Washington State in the DirecTV Holiday Bowl at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, Orange quarterback Kyle McCord broke Watson’s ACC single-season passing record.
Watson held the record with 4,593 passing yards for the 2016 season. McCord passed for 453 yards and five touchdowns in the Holiday Bowl, allowing the senior to break the ACC record with 4,779 yards in 2024.
One college feat that cannot be taken away from Watson is his national title win in 2016. However, that appears to be the last championship Watson will win in his career, at least as a starter.
