Who Should I Start? Jacoby Brissett or Deshaun Watson

Tuesday, March 11, 5:44 PM

Free-agent quarterback Jacoby Brissett plans to sign with the Arizona Cardinals, a source tells ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Brissett, who spent last year with the New England Patriots, will become the new backup to starter Kyler Murray in Arizona. Eleven of Brissett's 53 career starts have come with new Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing as his quarterbacks coach in Cleveland. The 32-year-old Brissett started the 2024 season as the Patriots' starter under center as they waited on first-rounder Drake Maye. In his eight appearances (five starts), Brissett struggled in a lackluster offense without many weapons, going 95-for-161 (59%) with 826 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception as a low-ceiling game manager. He is a respected veteran backup, but the Cardinals offense will be in trouble if Murray misses time with an injury in 2025.

Thursday, March 6, 10:21 AM

The Cleveland Browns converted $44.75 million of Deshaun Watson's (Achilles) 2025 salary into a signing bonus, creating $35.8 million of cap space. The team has already reworked Watson's contract in the past but is continuing to make moves to make it less of a financial burden in the future. Watson signed a five-year, $230 million contract with Cleveland ahead of the 2022 campaign but, it's been a disastrous tenure for the former Houston Texans first-round pick. Watson has compiled a 9-10 record across three seasons behind 19 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions. The 29-year-old's 2023 season ended with a major shoulder injury, and his 2024 season was cut short after suffering a torn Achilles. Since his in-game Achilles tear, he has suffered another Achilles setback. Watson is not expected to play in 2025, and it would be a surprise if he sees any playing time for Cleveland in 2026.