The idea behind the Browns’ March 2022 trade for Deshaun Watson was that they would be adding a franchise quarterback who would manage the offence for many years to come.
As Watson enters year three of a five-year contract with the organization after being traded, many outside the team are wondering if the deal has been worthwhile for the Browns. That hasn’t fully materialized during his first two years in Cleveland. Others have even begun to imagine scenarios to assist the team in getting out of the contract, such as former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum.
Tannenbaum offered an intriguing trade proposal on ESPN’s Get Up! on Friday. In it, the Browns would send rookie quarterback Daniel Jones to the New York Giants in exchange for Watson and a second-round selection.
If an agreement was reached before June 1, trading for Jones would help New York save money, freeing up more than $13 million. But according to Tannenbaum’s scenario, the Giants would also receive all of Watson’s remaining guaranteed basic pay.
Furthermore, it’s still unknown if Watson can play like the top-10 quarterback he was when he was a Houston Rocket. The signal caller for the Browns, who was suspended for 11 games due to 26 allegations of sexual misconduct, only participated in six games in 2022, throwing for 1,102 yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Instead of providing the fireworks Cleveland had hoped for, Watson’s second season saw him play in just six more games, throwing for 1,115 yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions before suffering a shoulder injury that put him on injured reserve.
Although the Giants’ acquisition of Watson raises concerns for New York, the Browns may not be satisfied with Jones’ return because doubts about his ability to play quarterback for the team still exist.
Jones played in just six games before rupturing his ACL last season, throwing for 3,205 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions. However, he deteriorated this past season.
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