Heading into the 2024 NFL season, the Cleveland Browns sit in a unique position. 

With the collection of talent on the roster, Cleveland can realistically compete for a championship. However, it is easy to see a reality where the Browns also struggle to win football games. 

Much of the season sits on the shoulders of one person – Deshaun Watson. If the Browns are to really compete, he has to be the version of himself Cleveland thought it was getting when they gave him a record-breaking $230 million fully guaranteed contract. 

Deshaun Watson's importance

Year three for the Watson experience feels like a make-or-break season. 

In year one in Cleveland, Watson dealt with his off-field issues and the rust that comes from being away from the game for a full year. 

In year two, Watson disappointed before suffering a season-ending injury following a come-from-behind win against the Baltimore Ravens. 

As a result of Watson's struggles in 2022 and 2023, the Browns fired Alex Van Pelt and brought in Ken Dorsey to run the offense.

Now, Watson is running out of excuses and also running out of runway to not live up to his billing. 

A run like Joe Flacco's is not going to drop into the Browns' lap in the 2024 season. The cap numbers also suggest that Cleveland will have to go through contract restructuring to keep the team together. And championship windows in the NFL don't last long. 

The Browns can't afford to keep waiting around for Watson to be an elite player again. In 2024, it is now or never. 

If Cleveland gets an elite version of Watson, it is easy to see an 11 or 12-game win season. However, if the version of Watson Cleveland gets is anything like the 2022 or 2023 season, it is even easier to see the team falling off a cliff. 

Everything in Cleveland now relies on Watson – for better or for worse. 

Browns’ Deshaun Watson has positive words on team’s decision to hire Ken Dorsey

The quarterback is ready to get to work.