Just to clarify.. the poison pill was being discussed in conjunction with the franchise tag. It is a fiscal impossibility they would be able to use the franchise tag because of the timing window of the pill.
Theoretically, a new contract could remove the pill as long as it is signed during the two day window.
The argument was ownership could find a way to extend his stay by utilizing the tools of the CBA. There are no viable CBA tools, only a contract extension.
Watson did his jail time and is receiving every penny the NFL didn’t take from him in fines. Watson is doing whatever he can to earn another contract… but there is zero chance he will sign one in Cleveland. He never wanted to be here, he now hates it here and he is ready to be out of here so he can bad mouth the city, the fans and anything else related to Cleveland he can come up with. WATSON will be the ultimate reason there isn’t a chance in hell of a new contract in Cleveland… thank God!
Thank you for the explanation on the contract situation ... I agree with you on Watson not wanting to be here and I also do not think his play will warrant him getting an offer from the Browns. I'm leaving the personality stuff aside - it's a factor but I prefer to not focus on it.
You don't think he wants to be here ? Lmfao
He put in so much work to get his legs back to being 4-2 right now
The 3rd QB since 99 who has started 4-2
Hopefully they win today because he looks good even though you think he hates being here
I sure don't see it
Seriously, you think the fact they are winning is attributed to him WANTING TO BE IN CLEVELAND? He flat out said before the signing, he doesn't want to be in Cleveland...then a guaranteed contract changes the mind of the greedy. Then for FOUR seasons, injuries aside, when he was healthy, he looked like a guy that was going to collect his paycheck whether he tried on the field or not. It was talked about before the season, the Browns have a chance if Watson decides he wants to play for his next contract...Well, it happened and now you want to say it's because of his new found love for Cleveland?? We are not that far removed from him saying some pretty negative things about the fanbase.
Look, for 2026, it's a match made in heaven. The Browns fans just want to see the team win.. so they tolerate Watson. Watson wants to build a resume that gets him extra zeros and extra years on the next deal. IF he can continue this season the way it's going, he will be the hottest free agent on the market. He will be able to choose a city like Miami to play out what might be his last contract. His dream is coming true at the moment... they keep winning games, which keeps the boo birds at bay.
At what point do YOU think he started enjoying Cleveland? I am very curious.
Watson and his agent can kill the poison pill at anytime. If the browns want him back and he wants to come back, the pill is not an issue. No, they will not tag him, it will be negotiated or we’ll move on. If he plays out the year and we go to playoffs, I think there will be talks. If he’s injured or falls apart, we’ll move on.
I hope taylon green (sp?) develops into a solid back up or starter. His athleticism intrigues me. I think we can safely ship Gabriel if there are takers before the trade deadline.
Absolutely.. That is why I said the only way he is here next season is with a new contract which would kill the poison pill. There are no other paths, except a contract extension.
I wouldn't count on the talks being more than finding out how desperate and stupid the Browns front office can really be after the worst trade in the history of the NFL. Watson does need another option if the rest of the league isn't going to fall for the same BS Haslem and Co did.
I have never seen Watson "Love the game". His entire career is based on money and selfish self-centered issues. Any year there wasn't something to play for money wise.. he hasn't played well, because he frankly doesn't care. This is the penultimate year for play for pay and he is doing us a solid by earning some of that money. The end game is a contract... not a Browns extension.
Right now, I just want to ride the wave!! I am content with Watson helping the team win games in 2026. I am also content with who he is in the fact he will be chasing the contract elsewhere after this ride ends. I am also content with the roster that Berry has put in front of us and believe that Sanders could keep the team in winning order in 2027, but also believe in order to become a Super Bowl contender instead of a playoff contender, they will need to upgrade the QB position in the draft, which may take as much luck as skill to do so.
For now... GO Browns!! Let's get that signature division win on the road and open a new era of Browns football!