Terry Pluto has seen enough, but here’s why he says Andrew Berry isn’t ruling out a Deshaun Watson contract extension
Terry Pluto has seen enough, but here’s why he says Andrew Berry isn’t ruling out a Deshaun Watson contract extension
The Cleveland Browns find themselves at a critical crossroads as they navigate a complex offseason filled with questions regarding their future under center. Longtime Cleveland columnist Terry Pluto has recently voiced what many fans are feeling: a sense of exhaustion with the current trajectory. However, despite the visible frustrations, Pluto provides a deep dive into the front office logic of General Manager Andrew Berry, explaining why the team might not be as ready to move on from Deshaun Watson as the public might expect. In fact, the financial architecture of the NFL salary cap and Watson's unique contract structure mean that an extension—paradoxically—might be the only way for the team to survive the massive cap hits looming on the horizon.
The featured snippet for this developing story highlights that while Terry Pluto believes the Browns' leadership has seen enough inconsistent play and injury setbacks from Deshaun Watson, Andrew Berry is likely considering a contract extension to alleviate the immediate 131 million dollar cap charge. By extending the deal, the Browns could spread the remaining guaranteed money over more years, providing the team with the necessary cap space to rebuild the offensive line and add veteran competition like Mac Jones or Malik Willis. This strategy prioritizes short-term financial flexibility over a clean break from the embattled quarterback.
The Frustration of Terry Pluto and the Cleveland Fanbase
Terry Pluto, a staple of Cleveland sports journalism, has articulated a sentiment that is becoming increasingly common among the Browns faithful: the era of waiting for Deshaun Watson to return to his Pro Bowl form may be coming to a close. Since the blockbuster trade with the Houston Texans, Watson's tenure in Cleveland has been defined more by time spent on the trainer's table than by touchdowns on the field. With two Achilles surgeries, shoulder surgery, and a prior ACL repair, the physical toll on the quarterback is undeniable. Pluto’s assertion that he has "seen enough" reflects the reality of a team that has seen high-level defensive performances wasted by stagnant offensive play.
However, Pluto isn't just speaking as a fan; he is analyzing the organizational behavior of the Browns' front office. He notes that while the patience of the city is wearing thin, the front office operates on a different set of metrics. For Andrew Berry, the decision isn't just about on-field performance but about the mathematical survival of the roster. The Browns have tied their hands with a fully guaranteed contract that remains one of the most polarizing deals in sports history.
The Financial Trap of the 131 Million Dollar Cap Charge
To understand why Andrew Berry isn't ruling out an extension, one must first look at the terrifying numbers on the Browns' balance sheet. If the Browns were to release Deshaun Watson before June 1, they would be hit with a staggering 131 million dollar dead cap charge. This is an unprecedented figure that would effectively prevent the team from fielding a competitive roster. Even a post-June 1 designation results in a dead money hit of over 80 million dollars.
When the cap implications are this severe, the standard "cut your losses" approach doesn't apply. Extending Watson, while unpopular, allows the team to convert his base salary into a signing bonus and add void years to the back end of the deal. This "kicking the can down the road" strategy is a hallmark of Berry’s tenure, and Pluto suggests it might be the only way to afford the offensive rebuild that head coach Todd Monken is currently overseeing.
Andrew Berry’s Philosophy on Roster Construction
Andrew Berry has always been a proponent of aggressive roster management and value-based acquisitions. In his recent evaluations, it has become clear that the Browns' foundational strengths are limited to a few key players like running back Quinshon Judkins and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. The rest of the offensive unit, particularly the line, requires a significant infusion of talent. To fix the offensive line, Berry needs draft capital and, more importantly, cap space.
Pluto explains that by extending Watson, Berry creates the "room" needed to sign veteran backups and draft high-end linemen. Without that cap flexibility, the Browns would be forced to rely on low-cost, high-risk players, further endangering whoever is playing quarterback. It is a cyclical problem where the contract itself dictates the personnel moves more than the players' actual talent level.
Targeting Mac Jones as a Financial Favorite
One of the most intriguing parts of Pluto's report is the identification of Mac Jones as a "favorite" target for the Browns. Currently serving as the backup for the San Francisco 49ers, Jones presents a financially viable alternative to other free agents. Pluto highlights that Jones’ two-year, 8.4 million dollar contract is much more attractive to a cap-strapped team than a player like Malik Willis, who could command upwards of 26 million dollars per year.
Jones, who went 5-3 filling in for Brock Purdy in 2026, represents the type of "high-floor" veteran that can compete for a starting job without breaking the bank. For Berry, bringing in Jones provides insurance. If Watson's injury history continues to sideline him, Jones is a proven winner who can manage Monken’s system. If Watson somehow regains his form, Jones is a cheap, high-quality backup. Either way, the financial math works.
| Quarterback Target | Projected/Current Cap Hit |
|---|---|
| Mac Jones | 2.8 Million (2026) |
| Malik Willis | 26 Million (Estimated) |
The Role of Shedeur Sanders in the Browns Future
While the veteran conversation dominates the headlines, the Browns have also invested in the future by drafting Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round. Sanders represents a low-cost lottery ticket for the organization. By bringing in a rookie with a high ceiling, the Browns are preparing for a post-Watson era regardless of when that actually begins. Todd Monken has gone on record stating that the quarterback job is open, which is a significant departure from the "Watson is our guy" rhetoric of previous seasons.
Sanders will enter training camp in a three-way competition with Watson and a yet-to-be-named veteran. This internal pressure is exactly what Pluto believe the Browns need. The goal is to move away from the "incumbent" mindset and move toward a performance-based hierarchy. However, Sanders' development takes time, and the team cannot afford to waste the prime years of their defensive stars while waiting for a rookie to mature.
Todd Monken and the Offensive Reset
The arrival of Todd Monken as head coach signals a shift in the Browns' offensive philosophy. Monken is known for his ability to adapt his system to the talent available, but even the best coordinator needs a stable presence at quarterback. The "structural reset" Pluto describes involves moving away from an offense that was built solely to cater to Watson’s specific (and perhaps declining) skill set and moving toward a more balanced, versatile attack.
This reset requires the Browns to use their premium draft picks—including No. 6 and No. 24 in the first round—on the offensive line. Pluto argues that Berry is prioritizing the "unit" over the "individual." If the line is elite, even a league-average quarterback can win games in Cleveland. This philosophy further supports the idea of extending Watson to save cash today to build a better wall in front of him (or his replacement) tomorrow.
The Injury History and the "Can’t Depend" Factor
A recurring theme in Pluto’s analysis is the "Can't Depend" factor. Between two Achilles surgeries and shoulder issues, Deshaun Watson’s body has been through immense trauma. In the NFL, availability is the best ability, and Watson hasn't been available. Pluto writes that while Berry wants to believe in the talent, the medical reports are impossible to ignore. This is why the Browns are looking at the 2026 season as a massive competition rather than a coronation.
If the Browns do extend Watson, it won't be because they are 100% confident in his health; it will be a calculated risk taken to prevent the total collapse of the team's cap structure. It is a defensive maneuver designed to buy time until the dead money becomes manageable or until a player like Sanders or Jones proves they are the long-term solution.
What a Watson Extension Would Actually Look Like
Fans often cringe at the word "extension," but in Berry’s world, it’s a tool. A Watson extension would likely involve adding two or three "voidable" years to the end of his current deal. This doesn't necessarily mean Watson will be in Cleveland for five more years; it means his current 72 million dollar cap hits are broken down into 20 or 30 million dollar hits spread over a longer period. It’s a mortgage on the future to pay for the groceries today.
Pluto points out that while this keeps the Browns "tethered" to Watson longer, it actually gives them more options in the interim. They can afford to keep a deep roster, which is essential given their recent injury luck. The alternative—cutting him and losing half the roster to balance the books—is a non-starter for an ownership group that expects to compete for the playoffs every year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why would the Browns extend Deshaun Watson if he isn't playing well?
A: An extension is often a financial move to lower his immediate cap hit. By adding years to the deal, the Browns can spread out his guaranteed money, giving them space to sign other players and rebuild the offensive line.
Q: Is Mac Jones really a candidate for the Browns?
A: According to Terry Pluto, Mac Jones is a "favorite" because of his affordable 8.4 million dollar contract and his experience filling in for Brock Purdy in San Francisco.
Q: What happens to Shedeur Sanders if Watson is extended?
A: Sanders was a fifth-round pick, so the team will likely let him develop and compete for the job. An extension for Watson doesn't guarantee he starts; it only manages his cost against the cap.
Q: How much dead money would the Browns face if they cut Watson now?
A: Releasing Watson before June 1 would result in a record-breaking 131 million dollar cap charge, which would be devastating for the team's ability to sign any other players.
Q: Who are the foundational players on the Browns offense right now?
A: Beyond the quarterback position, the team views running back Quinshon Judkins and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. as the primary foundational pieces for the 2026 season.
Conclusion
The Cleveland Browns are in a "no-win" situation that requires a "best-of-worst-options" strategy. Terry Pluto’s reporting highlights the massive divide between the desire to move on from a struggling player and the cold, hard reality of NFL salary cap management. While fans have seen enough of the injuries and the missed opportunities, Andrew Berry’s potential decision to extend Deshaun Watson isn't a vote of confidence in the player’s future—it's a survival tactic. By leveraging the contract to create immediate space, the Browns hope to build a roster strong enough to win regardless of who takes the snaps. Whether it's Watson, Mac Jones, or Shedeur Sanders, the 2026 season will be a definitive test of Berry's "process" and the Browns' ability to navigate the most expensive mistake in franchise history.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R90E5eU-f3oTerry Pluto has seen enough, but here’s why he says Andrew Berry isn’t ruling out a Deshaun Watson contract extension
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