Why Browns haven't released Deshaun Watson and his terrible contract

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Why Browns haven't released Deshaun Watson and his terrible contract originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cleveland Browns have rebuilt much of their offense over the last two offseasons, with new starters along the entire offensive line this past offseason being one of the biggest changes.

At tight end, David Njoku is gone, and Harold Fannin is taking over. Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson are the starting running backs, while KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston have joined the wide receiver room with Jerry Jeudy.

But, at quarterback, there is still one lingering question for Cleveland: Why haven't the Browns released Deshaun Watson yet? ESPN's Dan Graziano answered this question, pointing to Watson's terrible contract as the reason why they're forced into this decision.

Why Browns have not released Deshaun Watson​

"He will be paid a fully guaranteed $46 million, whether he's on the Browns or not," Graziano writes. "Watson is on the Browns right now because it wouldn't make sense otherwise, and if they can get something useful out of him before this miserable chapter of their history comes to an end, great."

Cleveland, regardless of whether Watson is on the roster or not, will be paying him $46 million this upcoming season.

While they could cut him to clear room for another QB if it were a crowded room, the Browns are much more likely to keep him on the roster and look to get anything out of them while he's stuck on their books.

There's not really any benefit to cutting Watson right now, as they're still going to have to spend a fortune on him. Sure, his departure could clear the way for a new QB to join the roster, but there's no good candidate for such a role on the roster right now.

MORE: Todd Monken reveals QB plan for Browns thats good news for Shedeur Sanders

Shedeur Sanders is a solid QB option, but his roster status won't change if Watson is released or not. Dillon Gabriel is a backup QB, and Taylen Green is a developmental option.

Cleveland might not carry four QBs into the regular season, but putting Green on the practice squad or trading Gabriel seems like a more possible option than cutting Watson.

If they're going to spend $46 million on him, the Browns might as well keep him on the roster for now in hopes that they can get any positives from him.

He realistically should be cut, but the Browns are stuck with his terrible contract, and have little reason to actually cut ties with him unless they are adamant they want to keep Sanders, Gabriel, and Green on the roster.

More Browns news:​

• Todd Monken missed NFL head coach photo thanks to getting a haircut for said photo
• Why Shedeur Sanders is changing Browns jersey to No. 2 after wearing 12
• Browns back out of A.J. Epenesa free agent contract
• Deshaun Watson is obviously the Browns most overpaid player

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