Deshaun Watson’s resurgence fails to convince Browns legend over one major concern
· Yahoo Sports
Deshaun Watson’s recent revival has not convinced former Cleveland Browns star Hanford Dixon that the franchise should commit to him long-term, with the former cornerback raising concerns about the quarterback’s injury history and guaranteed money.
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Watson had helped Cleveland reach a 5-2 record before their defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers, giving the Browns reasons to believe he could still be their answer at quarterback.
However, the 27-6 loss exposed fresh problems. Watson was sacked eight times and failed to throw a touchdown, leaving Cleveland at 5-3 and raising further questions about his future.
Hanford Dixon wants Deshaun Watson to accept a hometown discount
Speaking on the Deebo & Joe Podcast, Dixon discussed the possibility of Watson remaining with the Browns beyond the current season. While he acknowledged the quarterback’s improved performances, he warned against another expensive commitment.
“He’s got to take what we call a hometown discount,” Dixon said. “And a big hometown discount because I would hate to commit to him again, guaranteed money, and as a result, we know his history as far as injuries, and we got to take all that into consideration. I mean, because those two Achilles, man.”
Dixon believes Watson has finally begun to resemble the player Cleveland expected to receive when they signed him from the Houston Texans in 2022. However, he suggested the Browns should not offer another major contract without accounting for the risks.
“This is the first year since we signed him that we’re seeing that guy that we thought we were going to get out of Houston when we signed him,” Dixon added. “He hasn’t played like that. So, I think a hometown discount is probably; I would give him $20 million, and he’s not going to take that, and that’s okay.”
Watson’s injury record is a major reason for Dixon’s caution. After a suspension, a shoulder injury and two Achilles injuries, the quarterback made just 19 appearances for Cleveland between 2022 and 2025.
His current contract is in its final year, leaving the Browns facing a decision over whether to extend him or explore other options.
Second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders remains in the picture, while reporter Mary Kay Cabot has suggested that leading Cleveland to the playoffs would strengthen Watson’s case for returning.
After the Steelers defeat, Watson will need to respond on the field if he hopes to convince the Browns that another commitment is worthwhile.
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