NFL Rumors: Deshaun Watson’s fractured confidence led to Browns leaving $17,942,000 QB in the lurch

Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles injury on Oct. 20, his third consecutive season with the Cleveland Browns that he has been unable to play a full slate. The difference from the 2023 NFL season is that veteran Joe Flacco isn't the backup this campaign.

Cleveland parted ways with Flacco after he led the team to the playoffs in relief of Watson in 2023. In an ESPN article released on Thursday, Jeremy Fowler and Daniel Oyefusi reviewed the status of the Browns and their decision to part ways with Flacco, a seasoned, reliable and Super Bowl-winning quarterback.

"With Watson set to return, the team opted not to bring Flacco back in free agency," Fowler and Oyefusi wrote. "Part of the decision was calculated roster-building — the Browns expect to receive a sixth-round pick as compensation for Flacco's signing with the Indianapolis Colts.

"But Flacco had become a fan favorite, and one source with knowledge of Cleveland's thinking believed that having Flacco hold the clipboard would have been a bone of local contention every time Watson missed a read or a receiver."

One source told Fowler and Oyefusi that Watson's confidence was lost after Flacco was able to find success with the team in his absence. Since the Browns were on the hook for a fully guaranteed $17,942,000 a season to Watson, the source claimed that they parted ways with Flacco to build the QB's confidence back.

"I 100% believe that was a factor, the need to not have him hanging over Watson as he built his confidence," the source said.

The article then talked about a member of the front office refuting that idea and that moving away from Flacco wasn't to appease Watson.

"A front office source denied this notion, saying the move away from Flacco was solely a football decision," Fowler and Oyefusi wrote.

Whether the decision to part ways with Flacco was for Watson's sake or not, the Cleveland Browns likely regret the decision. Jameis Winston became the starter after Watson's injury, but his struggles led to him being benched. Dorian Thompson-Robinson was then selected to finish the season as the starter.

One NFL coordinator believes fan base will determine Deshaun Watson's future

Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson signed a five-year contract worth $230 million in 2022, which was fully guaranteed. While the Browns believe he can still return to being an elite QB, there is some concern about his future.

One NFL coordinator told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Daniel Oyefusi that while the QB has talent, his off-field issues could be a concern. Despite settling 22 civil lawsuits of sexual misconduct, another accuser came forward earlier this season. The NFL coordinator added that the fan base will determine how long Watson's tenure will last.

"I still think he's super talented," the NFL coordinator said. "But it appears to be a neck-up issue, and with the personal stuff, football has become secondary. You can't ignore the fan base. If they don't accept him, he'll never have a chance to improve."

The team's fans are loyal and if they make it clear they want the team to move on, Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam may decide to part ways.