The Cleveland Browns can be serious contenders in 2024, but the franchise’s chances at its first ever Super Bowl appearance will improve mightily if QB Deshaun Watson is willing to make a minor sacrifice.
Given Watson’s limited availability and his largely mediocre play when he’s been on the field over the last two seasons, his $230 million fully-guaranteed deal is arguably the worst in the NFL.
That case can be made, in no small part, because of how it will hogtie the front office’s ability to add talent around him — particularly over the next three years when his salary cap hit will be just shy of $64 million annually.
Still, Watson recently made a public pitch to Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins on Friday, January 26, to join him in “The Land.” Watson spoke about the team’s intention to throw the football more in 2024 and leaned on the Clemson connection he and Higgins share.
However, Barry Shuck of SB Nation’s Dawgs By Nature on Sunday brought up the inconvenient financial situation the Browns are facing — currently $20.5 million in the red.
“The problem is that Clemson isn’t paying the bills, and the Browns don’t appear to have any room to pay another high-priced player who had an off-year and was repeatedly injured,” Shuck wrote. “Then again, if Watson wants Higgins so badly, maybe he will renegotiate his contract and take less money so that the magic can happen.”
Deshaun Watson Recruited Tee Higgins to Browns Via His Podcast
Watson pitched Higgins during the January 26 episode of his podcast “QB Unplugged.”
“You know what’s up with us man,” Watson said. “We want to pass the ball and are going to pass it a lot. We are going to take care of you.
The Cleveland fans will love you to death, and we have the Clemson ties. We didn’t get to play with each other, but this is our opportunity. Come on over to The Land.”
The coming weeks will show how serious Watson is about acquiring Higgins, as doing so will be difficult — especially if the team intends to keep its top wide receiver and top running back in Amari Cooper and Nick Chubb.
