The Cleveland Browns’ trade for Deshaun Watson in March 2022 was just the start of a series of bad decisions by the organization that continues right up until today. More than four years removed from that initial mistake, it is still causing problems for the organization and angering its fans.
This week, Watson was named the Browns’ starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders. The announcement came after Watson made some pointed comments about the fans after they booed him in a preseason game.
Faced with that latest controversy, head coach Todd Monken stuck to his beliefs and gave Watson the job anyway, sparking outrage from the fan base and many NFL analysts. Monken said it was because the veteran gives Cleveland the best chance to win games.
But it actually could have a lot more to do with Watson’s exorbitant contract than anything else, which is why former NFL executive Andrew Brandt said the Browns’ QB decision was a “no-brainer,” as they have one last chance to get something out of their ill-fated investment.
“The Browns have to find out if they got anything for this $230 million. This was a no-brainer to me. If you got Deshaun Watson somewhat healthy, play him. Why not? You’re not going to make the Super Bowl. Play Deshaun Watson. See what you got for $230 million. This is more than sunk cost. This is the Titanic. This is not a sunk cost. It’s an easy choice. It’s also a fluid one. As we know with the Browns, things could change in a heartbeat. This boggles the mind, that the most secure and strongest contract in the history of the NFL went to this guy,” Brandt said.
"The Browns HAVE to find out if they got anything for this $230 million. This was a no brainer to me. If you got Deshaun Watson somewhat healthy, play him, why not?"@AndrewBrandt discusses the Browns naming Watson their QB1, on the latest Business of Sports: pic.twitter.com/GCf0akpidI
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) August 28, 2026
Brandt was a vice president for the Green Bay Packers from 1999 through 2008. He was responsible for negotiating player contracts and managing the salary cap, so he has a background that would lead to this observation about Watson and the Browns.
However, that money is already spent, so it is fair to argue whether starting Watson over the much more popular Sanders is worth the backlash. The gap in talent between Watson and Sanders may be significant enough to justify the move on the field, but his notorious history that includes multiple sexual assault allegations remains an issue in many fans’ minds.
Someone from the Browns organization could have come out and said what Brandt says here, that they want to get something for the money they have shelled out. That actually may be more palatable to the fans than what they are enduring right now.
Ironically, if Watson plays as well as the Browns seem to think he can, he might warrant another big contract to stay with the team as a free agent this offseason.
NEXT: Browns' WR Room Could Make A Fool Out Of Latest Rankings
