'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Many questioned the Cleveland Browns for offering a record-breaking $230 million of guaranteed money to Deshaun Watson following his arrival from the Houston Texans. The deal completely changed the quarterback market.
The implications of that deal are being felt by the Browns' AFC North rivals, the Baltimore Ravens. Lamar Jackson has continued to reject contract offers from the Ravens, holding out for a deal similar to Watson's with the Browns.
This has made Jackson's future uncertain, as the Ravens might lose their franchise quarterback if common ground isn't achieved in the future.
As stated by Spotrac, the Browns know that they will have to renegotiate their contract with Watson. However, the team wants to wait until after the Ravens franchise tag Jackson. The Browns hope to make Jackson's franchise tag costly for the Ravens.
This is because the franchise tag allows NFL teams to claim one player for a one-year, hefty contract. The franchise tag is reserved for players who are about to enter free agency. The franchise-tagged player must be paid either the average of the top-five players in that position or 120% of their previous year's salary.
The current top-five quarterbacks with the highest salaries are Aaron Rodgers ($50 million), Russell Wilson ($49 million), Kyler Murray ($46.1 million), Deshaun Watson ($46 million), and Patrick Mahomes ($45 million).
Following the revelation, NFL fans on Reddit made fun of the Ravens. They believe the Browns are using Deshaun Watson to rub salt into the wounds of their division rivals. Here are some of the best fan reactions to this news:
Many fans brought up Patrick Mahomes, while talking about Jackson's situation. Many people have claimed that Mahomes was overpaid. However, now it looks like his contract is one of the most team-friendly deals going into the future. Mahomes makes $45 million per year.
Also Checkout:- Ravens Preseason Schedule
The Cleveland Browns will miss Deshaun Watson
at the start of the season
Even though the Cleveland Browns will hurt the Ravens by not restructuring Watson's deal, they are not in a good situation either.
Deshaun Watson is suspended for the first 11 games of the season, and that could be enough to derail the hopes of the Browns making any noise.
Watson's first game back will be against his former team, the Houston Texans, in Week 13. By then, the playoff ambitions of the Browns may be well and done.
The franchise knew the risk that they were taking by bringing in Watson. Now they have to suffer their fate. Baker Mayfield's move to the Carolina Panthers didn't help their case either.
Jacoby Brissett will be given the keys in the absence of Watson, and hopefully, he will be at his best until the former Brown returns.
