Browns' Watson Disappoints, While Mayfield Thrives: Should Cleveland Have Stuck with Their Former QB?

With Deshaun Watson struggling under center for the Cleveland Browns, some are questioning whether the team made a mistake in trading away Baker Mayfield. The Browns have been dominated by their opponents, and Watson has not lived up to expectations. Meanwhile, Mayfield has been impressive as the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been the subject of intense scrutiny following the team's recent abysmal performance against the Dallas Cowboys. The Browns were outplayed in all facets of the game, and Watson's struggles under center were particularly glaring. This has led many to wonder if the team made a mistake in trading away Baker Mayfield, who has since flourished as the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Browns' Watson Disappoints, While Mayfield Thrives: Should Cleveland Have Stuck with Their Former QB?

Watson's performance has been far from stellar. In the Browns' loss to the Cowboys, he completed only 15 of 28 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. He was also sacked seven times and had a passer rating of just 77.2. This is a far cry from the Watson who was expected to lead the Browns to the playoffs.

Mayfield, on the other hand, has been a revelation for the Buccaneers. In his first four starts with the team, he has completed 67% of his passes for 1,064 yards and eight touchdowns. He has also led the Buccaneers to a 3-1 record, including an impressive victory over the New Orleans Saints.

Browns' Watson Disappoints, While Mayfield Thrives: Should Cleveland Have Stuck with Their Former QB?

The contrast between Watson's and Mayfield's performances has raised questions about whether the Browns made the right decision in trading away their former quarterback. Mayfield was a popular figure in Cleveland, and his departure was met with disappointment by many fans. The Browns were hoping that Watson would be a significant upgrade, but his performance so far has not lived up to expectations.

It is still too early to say whether the Browns made a mistake in trading away Mayfield. However, Watson's struggles have certainly given fans reason to pause. Mayfield has shown that he is still capable of playing at a high level, and the Browns may have been better off sticking with their former quarterback.

Browns' Watson Disappoints, While Mayfield Thrives: Should Cleveland Have Stuck with Their Former QB?

Here are some additional factors to consider:

* Watson is still under investigation for sexual misconduct allegations. If he is found guilty, he could face a significant suspension or even ban from the NFL. This would leave the Browns without a starting quarterback.

* Mayfield has a history of injuries. He has missed several games over the past few seasons, including the entire 2019 season. The Browns cannot afford to rely on a quarterback who is injury-prone.

* Watson is more expensive than Mayfield. The Browns gave up a significant amount of draft capital to acquire Watson. They are also paying him a large salary. This could limit the team's ability to build a competitive roster around him.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not the Browns made a mistake in trading away Mayfield will depend on Watson's future performance. If he can return to his previous level of play, then the Browns may have made a wise decision. However, if Watson continues to struggle, then the Browns may regret letting Mayfield go.