Browns' $230 million QB Deshaun Watson named most overpaid player

Cleveland's massive investment in the troubled QB has been a massive mistake, according to analysts.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:29pm

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The Cleveland Browns have made several questionable quarterback decisions in recent years, but their trade for and massive contract extension with Deshaun Watson is being called the worst move in franchise and possibly NFL history. With Watson struggling on the field and facing numerous off-field issues, he is widely considered the most overpaid player in the league.

Why it matters

The Browns' decision to trade away multiple first-round picks and sign Watson to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract has crippled their salary cap and roster flexibility for years to come. It's an albatross of a deal that has already proven to be a massive mistake for the struggling franchise.

The details

Since the end of the 2020 season, Watson has played in just 19 games, posting a 9-10 record with 19 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and an 80.7 passer rating. The Browns gave up three first-round picks, two fourths, and a third to acquire him from the Houston Texans in 2022. Watson's massive contract, which includes $44.9 million in cap hit this season and $36 million and $51 million in the following two years, has made it extremely difficult for the Browns to build a competitive roster around him.

  • In 2022, the Browns traded for Deshaun Watson and signed him to a 5-year, $230 million contract.
  • Since the end of the 2020 season, Watson has played in just 19 games.

The players

Deshaun Watson

The Cleveland Browns' $230 million quarterback who has struggled on the field and faced numerous off-field issues, making him widely considered the most overpaid player in the NFL.

Denzel Ward

A Cleveland Browns cornerback who has a $30.9 million cap hit in 2026, which is considered high but not as egregious as the team's investment in Deshaun Watson.

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What they’re saying

“The 12th-highest-paid player in football has thrown 19 touchdown passes since the end of the 2020 season. Enough said.”

— Brad Gagnon, Bleacher Report writer

The takeaway

The Browns' massive investment in Deshaun Watson has proven to be a disastrous move, crippling their salary cap and roster flexibility for years to come. Watson's struggles on the field and off-field issues have made him the most overpaid player in the NFL, a title that will likely stick with him for the duration of his bloated contract.