Browns face quarterback uncertainty as Deshaun Watson struggles in 2026 opener

The Cleveland Browns, starting 0-1 in the 2026 season, continue to rely on Deshaun Watson despite ongoing performance issues. Watson, who signed a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract, is coming off a poor showing against the Jacksonville Jaguars where he was sacked five times and threw an interception. As the Browns prepare for Week 2 against former quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, questions arise about their plan moving forward given Watson's lackluster statistics. Discussions hint that Watson may be viewed as a placeholder until potentially sought-after quarterbacks become available in the 2027 NFL Draft, with two first-round picks at their disposal.

• 1:50 PMCBS NFL — With Browns QB situation in the gutter, ex-Baker Mayfield on deck, what is their plan?