Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has recently been labelled as one of the most overrated players in the NFL by a group of 103 fellow players. This sentiment comes amid growing frustration over Watson’s performance and availability since he joined the Browns in 2022.
Watson, who has been with the Browns for two seasons, has only played in 12 games during this period. His 2023 season was cut short in November due to a shoulder injury that required surgery, further complicating his tenure with the team.
As of now, Watson appears to have recovered from his injury and is expected to start the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on September 8. Despite his return to health, some players around the league remain skeptical of his abilities, leading to his inclusion in the list of overrated quarterbacks.
An ESPN survey of 103 NFL players, which covered various categories including the most overrated quarterback, revealed that Watson was seen as overrated, though not the top choice. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen received the most votes for this category.
Watson’s situation is particularly noteworthy because of his substantial contract, one of the largest for a quarterback. Despite this, he has struggled to stay on the field consistently, failing to play more than six games in each of the past two seasons. His absence in 2021 with the Houston Texans further exacerbates the concerns about his reliability.
The Browns acquired Watson with high expectations, hoping he would lead them to the playoffs, secure postseason victories, and potentially win a Super Bowl. However, his performance and availability have not met these lofty expectations.
While Josh Allen continues to be a dependable performer, leading his team to the playoffs consistently, Watson has been unable to achieve similar success due to his frequent injuries. His inability to stay healthy has prevented him from contributing meaningfully to the Browns’ playoff aspirations.
For Watson to change the narrative and prove his critics wrong, he will need to stay healthy throughout the season and deliver strong performances. This will be a significant challenge, given his recent struggles and the pressure to live up to his high contract expectations.
The coming season is critical for Watson as he looks to demonstrate that he can be the quarterback the Browns need to achieve their goals. Fans and analysts will be closely watching to see if he can overcome his injury issues and deliver the performance that was expected when he was acquired.
In summary, the perception of Watson as an overrated quarterback reflects broader concerns about his consistency and availability. Despite the potential for a strong comeback, his track record over the past few years has left many questioning whether he can live up to his significant contract and expectations.