The Cleveland Browns can be major contenders in 2024, but the franchise’s prospects of making its first Super Bowl appearance will increase dramatically if quarterback Deshaun Watson is prepared to make a modest sacrifice.
Given Watson’s limited availability and relatively unimpressive performance on the field over the last two seasons, his $230 million fully guaranteed contract is perhaps the worst in the NFL. That case can be made, in large part, because it will limit the front office’s ability to add players around him — especially over the next three years, when his salary cap hit will be just shy of $64 million per year.
Still, Watson made a public appeal to Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins on Friday, January 26, to join him in “The Land.” Watson discussed the team’s goal to throw the football more in 2024, drawing on the Clemson connection he and Higgins share.
However, Barry Shuck of SB Nation’s Dawgs By Nature on Sunday brought up the Browns’ difficult financial condition, which is currently $20.5 million in the red.
“The problem is that Clemson isn’t paying the bills, and the Browns don’t appear to have any room to pay another high-priced player who had an off-year and was repeatedly injured,” he wrote. “Then again, if Watson wants Higgins so badly, maybe he will renegotiate his contract and take less money so that the magic can happen.”
Deshaun Watson recruited Tee Higgins to the Browns. Via His Podcast
Watson pitched Higgins on the January 26 episode of his podcast “QB Unplugged.”
“You know what’s up with us, man,” Watson remarked. “We want to pass the ball and plan to pass it a lot. We will take care of you. Cleveland fans will adore you, and we have Clemson ties. We didn’t get to play with each other, but here is our chance. Come over to the Land.”
The next several weeks will reveal how serious Watson is about acquiring Higgins, as doing so will be difficult — especially if the team hopes to keep its top wide receiver and running back, Amari Cooper and Nick Chubb.
Tee Higgins Might Be Too Expensive for Browns Nick Chubb has completed his four-year, $8.7 million rookie contract, similar to Amari Cooper’s. Spotrac estimates his market value at $74.4 million for a new four-year contract.
That type of contract will be impossible for the Browns to implement, especially if the team does not part ways with Cooper or Chubb. Both players are entering the final year of huge contracts and, as such, may provide Cleveland with significant savings if the organization decides to cut or sell them.
Cooper will have a cap hit of $23.8 million next season. The Browns can save $12.45 million in cap space by releasing or selling Cooper before June 1, and that figure rises to $20 million if the team makes a move after that date. Chubb’s salary cap hit is $15.8 million in 2024. Cleveland can save $11.8 million by releasing or dealing Chubb at any point this offseason.
Cooper is unlikely to be released after making his fifth Pro Bowl appearance. Given RB Jerome Ford’s spectacular performance in 2023, the Browns may find it easier to let Chubb go.
However, if Watson is ready to accept a pay reduction, the team may be able to recruit a player like Higgins while keeping all of its top players for another playoff run in 2024.
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