Let’s not mince words—the Cleveland Browns are in crisis mode. After a humiliating 34-13 loss to the Washington Commanders, where Deshaun Watson looked more lost than ever, Cleveland fans are left wondering if this $230 million experiment is turning into a colossal flop. Watson’s struggles were painfully obvious, completing a measly 15 of 28 passes for 125 yards, taking seven sacks, and adding a costly fumble to his day’s work. And yet, Head Coach Kevin Stefanski insists he’s standing by his quarterback, doubling down on his support and even taking the blame for their offensive shortcomings.
But is Stefanski really calling the shots here? There’s a lot more at play than just x’s and o’s on the field, and you can bet ownership’s fingerprints are all over these decisions. This is a team with an enormous financial and public relations investment in Watson, and benching him would require approval from the very top. As former NFL analyst Mike Florio points out, Cleveland has a whopping $92 million riding on Watson. Even if a benching might send a message, Florio says, “You can’t bench a guy without getting approval from ownership.” It’s clear that, in Cleveland, football strategy and boardroom politics are colliding in a way that feels like a ticking time bomb.
But what’s next? NFL veteran Devin McCourty threw out some advice for Stefanski: take a page out of Bill Belichick’s book. He reminded Stefanski how, back in 2021, the Patriots swapped out Mac Jones for Bailey Zappe, even if just for a spark. “Sometimes, you need a shakeup,” McCourty shared. While the Browns aren’t exactly brimming with backup QB options, the idea here is simple—Stefanski needs to do something to ignite this team.
Even more damning, though, was Watson’s mental lapse in the game. On a crucial 4th-and-goal play, Watson walked over to the sidelines instead of snapping the ball, earning a delay-of-game penalty. This wasn’t just a mistake; it was a moment that had fans questioning his judgment. A QB in his prime doesn’t let this happen, especially one being paid franchise-record money.
And then there’s Watson’s baggage off the field. His recently settled lawsuit and ongoing controversies only add more tension to an already complex situation. Browns ownership may have thought Watson could rebuild his reputation through football, but so far, it’s only served as a painful reminder of how messy this deal really is. Former NFL QB Chase Daniel suggested that benching Watson would be admitting a costly mistake—a hard pill for any front office to swallow after such an enormous investment.
Cleveland is at a crossroads. They’re locked into a mammoth contract, with a quarterback who has yet to prove he’s worth it, and a fanbase that’s growing restless. Stefanski’s support may be unwavering, but there’s only so much a coach can do when his team’s cornerstone player keeps faltering. If Watson’s performance doesn’t improve soon, Cleveland might be forced to make some bold decisions—whether ownership is ready to face that reality or not.
