Fans speculate Deshaun Watson on his ‘way out’ after Browns agree to sign ex-Ravens QB Tyler Huntley

The Cleveland Browns made waves last season by signing former Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco off the street, filling in for the injured Deshaun Watson. Flacco’s leadership and performance propelled the team into the playoffs, though they ultimately fell short.

The Browns opted not to retain Flacco for the 2024 season, allowing him to enter free agency. Following a trend, the team has reportedly reached an agreement with ex-Ravens QB Tyler Huntley to serve as Watson’s backup.

Browns sign Tyler Huntley

The Browns have bolstered their quarterback depth by signing Tyler Huntley to a one-year contract at the veteran’s minimum salary, via CBS Sports. This move comes amidst uncertainty surrounding Watson’s recovery from shoulder surgery, raising questions about his availability for the offseason program.

When Watson is back in action, he will continue to be the starting quarterback for the Browns. However, the signing of Huntley shows that the team is taking a proactive approach to strengthening their depth at the position. The team’s decision to sign both Huntley and Jameis Winston within a week indicates that there is an increased focus on ensuring reliable backups.

Huntley’s experience as Lamar Jackson’s primary backup during his time with the Ravens is incredibly valuable. He had a modest starting record of 3-7 in 10 games. Moreover, he has demonstrated great potential with an impressive completion rate of 64.6% and has shown his versatility by excelling in both passing and rushing.

The quarterback made 20 appearances for the Ravens, and was even honored with a Pro Bowl selection after the Ravens’ playoff exit in the previous season. He has mainly served as a backup to Jackson, but his impressive performance when given the opportunity has caught the attention of teams throughout the league. Following Huntley’s departure, the Ravens will be counting on Josh Johnson and Malik Cunningham to step up as backup quarterbacks.

Fans denounce Deshaun Watson’s future after Tyler Huntley signed

Fans have been engaging in lively discussions about the future of Deshaun Watson following the Browns’ signing of Tyler Huntley. Opinions on Huntley’s role in the team’s quarterback roster vary, with some seeing him as a valuable addition. However, there are those who have expressed concerns about Watson’s performance and injury history.

Last season, the Browns had to deal with a rotating cast of quarterbacks, as they had to rely on five different players due to injuries and inconsistent performances. Watson experienced two shoulder injuries, which led the team to explore other possibilities for the position. Although Huntley shows promise and poses a challenge, fans are expressing their dissatisfaction with Watson’s performance and injury-prone past.

A netizen wrote, “I hope that DeShaun Watson can get it together because this has become one of the worst trades in NFL history in recent memory imo.”

The trade that brought Watson to the Browns was a blockbuster one, involving the exchange of three first-round picks and a record-breaking contract. However, more than a year later, the anticipated success has yet to materialize. Fans are expressing frustration over Watson’s lackluster performance and frequent injuries. They are questioning the wisdom of the trade and the massive financial commitment made to him.

A fan wrote, “Watson on his way out, not because of this signing, just in general, his contact sucks for the #Browns and he’s injured alot. #WhoDey.”

Nevertheless, there remains a glimmer of hope that both Watson and the Browns can turn things around. Watson is eyeing a Super Bowl title next season. So, fans have to be a bit more optimistic that Watson will overcome his setbacks and deliver on the promise he once made. In the meantime, Tyler Huntley’s presence provides a valuable insurance policy.