As the playoff scenario is getting clearer, the teams are gearing up for their next moves. After losing the week 14 game against the Steelers by 14-27, the Browns are checking their roster to find the best players they could assemble. It’s crucial for them if they don’t want to repeat their dismal 2024 performance. The quarterbacks, Deshaun Watson and Jameis Winston are among the focus.

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has shown no interest in the contract extension of Winston, their backup QB. A 1-year, $4 million contract currently binds him. But given his performance after Deshaun Watson’s Achilles injury, 31 teams will try to sign him.

During the week 13 game against the Broncos, Winston made the franchise record for most passing yards in a single game with 497 yards. But 3 interceptions cost them the game as they lost 32-41. However, not offering him any deal was a surprise to many fans, while their keenness for Watson continued. Let’s compare the stats of Deshaun Watson and Jameis Winston till week 14 of the 2024 season to see who was better among them.

It’s clear from the numbers. Winston was the better signal caller. But the team wants to go with their main QB. The finances associated also play a big role. The cap hit for Winston was only 2.2 million in 2025. Even after the Browns restructured Watson’s deal, it carries a $72 million cap hit in 2025.

Hence, the Browns owner has kept his focus on their primary quarterback. They want him to return early and start for them. It wouldn’t be easy, though.

Browns favoring Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback in 2025

When the QB was ruled out of the entire season in November, the GM Andrew Berry had said, “Really our focus with Deshaun. I would say for any player with a season-ending injury, and a major injury is, first and foremost, with the recovery and to make sure he gets healthy from the Achilles injury. Everything else we’ll deal with at a later moment.” And the owner agrees with his manager.

The plan is set. Rumors are that they have conveyed to Deshaun Watson that he would be starting QB in the NFL 2025 season. Confidence is a good sign. He is also enjoying time away from the gridiron. However, the fans only want one thing, his performance. After a playoff run in 2023, no one expected them to slip to a 3-10 win-loss record.

With 4 games remaining, they are already disqualified from the postseason. It’s high time to set their priorities straight. In the offseason, they would need to turn them into actions. Can they do it? We’ll find out soon.