Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson suffered an injury during the team’s Week 7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, and the situation looks concerning. A camera angle appeared to show the telltale signs of an Achilles tendon injury, though the official diagnosis will come from medical professionals. If Watson is indeed out for the season, second-year QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who played in Week 7, and veteran Jameis Winston are possible options. However, the Browns could explore trades to improve their chances of salvaging the season.
One challenge the team faces in pursuing a trade before the November 5 NFL trade deadline is Watson’s fully guaranteed contract, which locks Cleveland into nearly $150 million over the next two seasons. Nevertheless, the team has cap space this season due to a renegotiation of Watson’s deal, and they possess extra picks in 2025, including a third-rounder from the Amari Cooper trade to the Bills. This makes a trade for a QB to finish out the season a plausible option.
Last year, Joe Flacco stepped in after Watson’s injury and helped lead the team to the playoffs. Though Flacco is now with the Colts, where he has performed well, Cleveland could attempt to bring him back. Meanwhile, there is a long-shot trade option with 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. The relationship between Young and the Panthers seems to be deteriorating, and a late-round pick might secure him for the Browns. Young’s contract is manageable, with a cap hit of $8.6 million this year, rising slightly in the following seasons.
Another option for Cleveland could be acquiring Gardner Minshew, who was replaced by Aidan O’Connell in Las Vegas after a rough start to the season. Minshew, a reliable veteran, could give the Browns a chance to win games by leaning on their running game and defense.
Lastly, Russell Wilson’s performance in the Steelers’ Week 7 game could determine his availability. If he struggles, Justin Fields might reclaim his starting job, potentially making Wilson a trade target for the Browns at a low cost.
