Photo via CBS Sports

With Browns QB situation in the gutter, ex-Baker Mayfield on deck, what is their plan?

Entering the final season of his five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract, Cleveland signal-caller Deshaun Watson faces mounting scrutiny following an abysmal start to the 2026 campaign. Cleveland traded three first-round selections to acquire Watson in 2022 after shipping former top overall pick Baker Mayfield to Carolina for a conditional fifth-rounder.

Watson has ranked among the NFL's bottom two passers in numerous efficiency categories throughout his Browns tenure, and that slump continued during a Week 1 road loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he was sacked five times, threw an interception, and watched his squad fall behind 31-0.

Despite the rocky opener and an impending Week 2 matchup against Mayfield, newly hired head coach Todd Monken remains steadfast in sticking with Watson under center. The locker room's patience appears strained, illustrated by defensive back Ronnie Hickman declining to endorse the quarterback stability by stating the topic exceeds his pay grade.