Deshaun Watson arrived in Cleveland despite the controversies around him. Fans were hoping for a franchise quarterback who would lead the team for years to come.
However, those hopes are dashed and the massive $230 million contract he signed upon arrival has become a thorn for the Cleveland Browns. Former New York Giants defensive end Chris Canty believes this is all karma.
Chris Canty Points a Finger at Karma After Deshaun Watson’s Recent Derailment
Watson couldn’t kick-start his career with the Browns. In his three years, he has been limited due to suspensions and injuries. However, even when he could step onto the gridiron, he wasn’t very helpful, sporting a 9-10 record over three seasons.
As such, during his appearance on ESPN, Canty called it the work of karma after Watson’s latest “setback” in rehabilitation from his Achilles injury. “Karma is a big dog I’m telling you,” said Canty. “They made this controversial decision three years ago, to swing this trade and give him the fully guaranteed $230 million and they haven’t come close to getting a return on investment.”
Karma has parked itself in the Dawg Pound. @msmallmon @ChrisCanty99 | @ESPNCleveland pic.twitter.com/nQz8ZJBDQq
— UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio (@UnSportsESPN) January 7, 2025
“Looking at their QB room, there’s no way you could have Deshaun Watson as a piece to rely on. I feel like the restructure a few weeks ago was all about the Cleveland Browns clearing up some cap space so they can add to this team and their QB room knowing they’re not going to get much, if anything, from Deshaun Watson.”
Watson signed the largest contract (at the time) and most guaranteed money deal in 2022 with the Browns worth $230 million. The 29-year-old is still owed $92 million after they restructured the contract earlier this season.
A Clause in Watson’s Contract Could Save Money for the Browns
Per OTC, the Browns inserted an insurance clause in Watson’s contract. This insurance clause could potentially save them $44.3 million.
“The Browns have $44.3M of Watson’s 2025 salary insured for injury so there is some major financial relief available if he can not play due to the Achilles injury suffered this year,” Fitzgerald tweeted.
The #Browns have $44.3M of Watson's 2025 salary insured for injury so there is some major financial relief available if he can not play due to the Achilles injury suffered this year.
— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) January 6, 2025
Fans have already started bidding their farewells to Watson considering this as an exit clause in the QB’s deal. With the No. 2 pick in hand, the Browns are expected to draft a QB to take his place.