Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson has officially ended his contract with Pittsburgh Steelers to Sign a new three-year deal with the Browns..
In an unexpected and headline-grabbing move, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has officially ended his contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers and signed a new three-year deal with the Browns. The announcement, which sent shockwaves through the NFL, marks a significant shift in Watson’s career trajectory and could potentially reshape the landscape of the AFC North division. The decision to leave the Steelers, where Watson had been a key player for the past few seasons, in favor of a new chapter with their division rivals is a move that has generated excitement and curiosity among fans and analysts alike.
The deal, which reportedly includes a mix of guaranteed money, performance incentives, and additional bonuses, is valued at approximately $115 million. This marks one of the largest quarterback contracts in NFL history and underscores the Browns’ determination to build a competitive roster around Watson as they look to make a deep playoff run in the coming seasons.
Deshaun Watson’s Career Shift
Watson’s decision to leave Pittsburgh and join the Cleveland Browns is a surprising turn of events. After joining the Steelers in 2022, Watson quickly became one of the team’s most dynamic and impactful players. He was instrumental in leading Pittsburgh to the playoffs in 2023, earning praise for his arm strength, mobility, and leadership both on and off the field. However, after a rollercoaster few seasons filled with ups and downs, including injuries and challenges adjusting to new offensive schemes, Watson expressed a desire for a fresh start.
“The past few years in Pittsburgh have been an incredible journey, and I am grateful for the support of my teammates, coaches, and the fans,” Watson said in a statement after the announcement. “But after careful consideration, I believe this is the right move for me personally and professionally. Cleveland represents a new opportunity to grow, challenge myself, and hopefully help bring success to a passionate fanbase that deserves it.”
Though Watson had experienced success in Pittsburgh, the move to Cleveland signals a new era for both the player and the Browns. Many within the NFL have speculated that the Browns’ roster, which features an already potent defense and a strong supporting cast of skill position players, could be the perfect environment for Watson to regain his elite form.
A New Era for the Cleveland Browns
For the Cleveland Browns, signing Watson to a three-year deal represents a bold step forward in their effort to build a championship-caliber team. The Browns, long one of the most storied franchises in NFL history but with a reputation for struggles in recent years, have been eager to make significant strides in the AFC North.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry, who has worked tirelessly to revamp the roster and build a team capable of contending for a Super Bowl, expressed his excitement about adding Watson to the mix.
“Deshaun Watson is a top-tier quarterback, and we believe his skill set and leadership will elevate this franchise to new heights,” Berry said in a statement. “He’s a dynamic playmaker with the ability to not only make all the throws but also lead a team in critical moments. Our goal is to surround him with a strong supporting cast, and we’re confident that, with Deshaun at the helm, the future is bright for the Cleveland Browns.”
The Browns are coming off a solid 2024 season, having made significant progress under head coach Kevin Stefanski. With Watson now at the helm of the offense, the team’s already impressive array of offensive weapons, including running back Nick Chubb, wide receiver Amari Cooper, and tight end David Njoku, now has the potential to become one of the most dynamic units in the league.
Watson’s arrival also injects a new sense of optimism into the Browns’ fanbase, which has long awaited a franchise quarterback to lead them back to the playoffs and beyond. The pressure is now on Watson to deliver results and take the Browns to a level they have not reached in decades.
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Reaction and Impact
The departure of Watson from the Pittsburgh Steelers has left the team with a major hole at the quarterback position. While Watson had only been with the Steelers for a short time, his connection with the offense was beginning to flourish, and his absence will undoubtedly affect Pittsburgh’s chances in the highly competitive AFC North.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin expressed his disappointment over Watson’s decision but also reaffirmed the team’s commitment to building a strong roster moving forward. The Steelers, who are known for their consistency and resilience, will now turn their focus to finding their next quarterback of the future, with several options in the pipeline.
“We wish Deshaun nothing but the best in Cleveland. He was a valuable part of our team, and his leadership will be missed,” Tomlin said. “We’re confident in our ability to adjust, and we’ll continue to focus on building a championship-caliber team. We’re looking at all options moving forward and are excited about what the future holds for the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
For Pittsburgh, this could mean turning to either backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky or exploring potential trade or draft options to find a long-term solution at the position. The Steelers are renowned for their ability to develop quarterbacks, but the loss of Watson represents a significant blow to their immediate prospects.
What’s Next for Watson and the Browns
As the Browns look to build their offense around Watson, the team has made several key offseason moves to bolster their chances of success. In addition to adding Watson, the Browns have strengthened their offensive line, re-signed key defensive players, and brought in several free agents to fill gaps in their roster. The expectation is that Watson will quickly build chemistry with his new teammates and lead a high-powered offense capable of challenging the best teams in the AFC.
Watson’s style of play, characterized by his quick release, mobility, and ability to make plays outside of the pocket, fits perfectly with the Browns’ offensive scheme. His dual-threat abilities will give defensive coordinators in the AFC North headaches as they prepare for matchups against Cleveland.
Deshaun Watson’s Legacy and Ambitions
For Watson, the new deal with the Cleveland Browns marks an important milestone in his career. Having been drafted by the Houston Texans and becoming one of the league’s brightest young quarterbacks, Watson’s journey has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. With a fresh start in Cleveland, Watson now has the opportunity to write the next chapter in what could be a Hall of Fame-caliber career.
“I’ve always been a competitor, and this is a chance for me to push myself to be the best I can be,” Watson said. “Cleveland has a great fanbase, a passionate city, and an incredible football tradition. I’m excited to be part of something special and can’t wait to get started.”
The Browns are counting on Watson to lead them back to the playoffs and make a deep run into the postseason. With his ability to perform in clutch moments and his strong arm, Watson has all the tools to make Cleveland a serious contender in the AFC. As the 2025 season approaches, the excitement surrounding Watson’s arrival in Cleveland continues to build.
About Deshaun Watson:
Deshaun Watson is a former first-round pick of the Houston Texans and is widely regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL. After a successful start to his career, Watson was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he spent a few seasons before signing with the Cleveland Browns. Known for his athleticism, strong arm, and leadership skills, Watson is determined to take the Browns to new heights and lead the team to championship glory. With a fresh start in Cleveland, Watson is poised to leave a lasting impact on both the fran chise and the NFL.
