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Chase Daniel is wondering why Deshaun Watson hasn't been benched yet despite the team's terrible 1-4 start to the season. The coaching can't be the problem as Kevin Stefanski is the reigning NFL Coach of the Year.
Fans are pinning the blame for the Browns' performance on Deshaun Watson. And the NFL analyst and former Super Bowl Champion Daniel is also of this view. He said that the QB is supposed to elevate and inspire the other members of the team. But he saw no such thing from Watson and called for his benching.
"I can tell if you're not inspired. Deshaun Watson has to walk in that huddle and see these left tackle or this running back. Oh man, he's gone all right. He messed up this play that doesn't fly. So, on field, on the field, I cannot say one thing that he's doing well. This Brown's offense is ranked 30th or worse than every major category."
According to Chase Daniel, the blame lay squarely on the owners' shoulders. They won't bench Watson despite his terrible plays because they don't want to admit in front of fans and others that they made a $230 million mistake.
"It is 100% ownership of the Cleveland Browns that are making the decision to play Deshaun Watson because they are paying him 230 million. They don't want to look like fools."
It seems that the Browns are stuck with Watson through to the 2026 season, as he will only become a free agent in 2027. But amid all of this, there is a small piece of good news for Watson and Browns fans.
Deshaun Watson free from September lawsuit
Exactly four weeks ago, the NFL world was stunned when a new lawsuit against the Browns QB, alleging sexual assault and battery, emerged. However, now the case is over.
It seems Watson chose to settle with the plaintiff, as revealed by the plaintiff's attorney, Tony Buzbee:
"We have now resolved our client’s claim with Deshaun Watson. The settlement is confidential."
This was a small window of opportunity that the team had to finally release Watson under the Personal Conduct Policy. However, Watson refused to cooperate with the NFL on any investigation, which means no policy violations can be proven against him.
He will now go on to collect $92 million in 2025 and 2026 combined. The Browns sure don't have to let him out on the gridiron, but they will have to pay him regardless. And with the lack of compelling backup QBs on the roster, is it time for Browns fans to write off this season?
