Pro Football Network ranked eight teams as having the worst quarterback situations headed into the 2024 season.
The Cleveland Browns came in seventh. The only good news is that six teams are perceived as having it worse, including AFC North rival Pittsburgh ranked second.
PFN's issue with the Browns starts and ends with Deshaun Watson. His fully guaranteed five-year $230 million contract was recently restructured which could mean he is with the team for the duration, through the 2026 season. Watson played 12 games in two seasons. He has been riddled with injuries and off-the-field issues. Watson has a good roster surrounding him so he needs to deliver results. PFN's other observation, which many have noted in Cleveland, is that Watson has not been anywhere near as effective as his 2020 Houston Texans self since putting on a Browns uniform.
The upside is if Watson needs to play well, and PFN will be forced to reconsider this ranking. If he does not, the negative noise about Watson will get louder and louder during his third season with the Browns.