Deshaun Watson may have been sufficiently motivated during his comeback to simply prove his doubters wrong and finally give the Cleveland Browns something for all of the money they invested in him with his record-setting contract back in 2022. But it is also possible that Watson is even more motivated by the money he would make in the future if he showed he could still be a viable NFL quarterback.
The market for QB contracts continues to soar, even making Watson’s dubious $230 million deal look like something of a bargain. For example, former Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield received a three-year, $165 million contract extension from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers right before this season, which is in line with the current price for a starter.
With that in mind, analyst Daryl Ruiter made a stunning Watson contract prediction, saying he would get more than $50 million per season if he were to re-sign with Cleveland or find another willing team.
“If Deshaun Watson keeps playing like this and Browns keep winning, he will get a raise and be north of $50 million/year. That’s the market rate for QBs now,” Ruiter posted.
IF Deshaun Watson keeps playing like this and #Browns keep winning, he will get a raise and be north of $50 million/year. That’s the market rate for QBs now https://t.co/N9iW0JoYax
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) October 26, 2026
It is fair to wonder if the Browns would be willing to extend their time with Watson, due to the previous four years of the relationship. But based on this season alone, it may become more and more difficult to part with him if Cleveland remains a playoff contender.
Former NFL executive Mike Tannenbaum said there is “zero percent chance” that the Browns will re-sign Watson, but that may be very shortsighted. If Cleveland were to start over again at QB next season, it could be a step backward after making so much progress in Todd Monken’s first year.
The head coach may play a huge role in the Browns’ decision-making, as he is the one who aligned himself with Watson and so far has been proven right. While there have been rough stretches at times, the veteran has led five fourth-quarter game-winning scoring drives, including in a 27-24 victory against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
That was Watson’s first 300-yard passing game with the Browns, so he is making a case week-by-week that he may be deserving of a lucrative new deal from someone.
NEXT: Insider Says Deshaun Watson Finally Did One Thing On Sunday
