By admin 
I speculated a few months ago that the Falcons may have avoided a $230 million bullet by not getting Deshaun Watson. They clearly owe the Browns a debt of gratitude now.
In return for Watson, Cleveland chose to send Houston three first-round picks, a third-round pick, and two fourth-round picks. Watson was then given a historic five-year, $230 million contract by the Browns.
The Falcons sought Watson hard before the Texans dealt him to the Browns, despite little acknowledgement from the team. We know how close the Falcons were to signing Watson, who had discussions with other free agents about joining forces in Atlanta. Furthermore, an article from The Athletic shed even more insight on the subject, adding, “Most within the Falcons’ building assumed Watson was theirs.”
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It’s only in black and white. The Falcons wanted Watson, but they’re grateful the Browns showed up with a bigger bag. Because of who he was on the field, Cleveland was willing to accept the public backlash in obtaining a guy with that kind of off-the-field baggage.It’s a cruel truth of the NFL, but if you’re a talented enough player, the owners and top executives will overlook almost anything. For Watson, the Browns may be suffering from buyer’s remorse.
Deshaun Watson left Sunday’s game against the Colts after absorbing a big blow that sent him into concussion protocol. Watson was later cleared to play again, but Kevin Stefanski chose not to do so. We don’t know if that was more about protecting his quarterback or something else, but the fact is Watson hasn’t just been bad, he’s been downright dreadful.
Watson’s troubles last season could have been attributed to a variety of factors, but he’s still a bottom-five quarterback in 2023. He completes less than 60% of his throws, averages less than 200 yards per game, has 11 touchdowns to eight interceptions, and has an 82.9 passer rating. Watson is 30th in passer rating among quarterbacks who have started at least one game, after Mac Jones, Kenny Pickett, and Josh Dobbs.
Injuries are piling up, and his play leaves much to be desired. At this stage in the season, Desmond Ridder of the Falcons may be a better quarterback than Matt Ryan. The Browns have an excellent roster that need decent quarterback play to make a playoff run; Deshaun Watson isn’t providing that.
Cleveland has so much money invested in him that there’s just one thing they can do: stick with Watson. The Falcons, like every other team that chased him, owe a debt of gratitude to the Browns and the Haslams.