Opinion: Cleveland Browns have two of NFL’s 5 worst contracts

Sayre Bedinger of NFL Spin Zone is not a fan of some of the Cleveland Browns contracts as they ended up with the worst two in the NFL in his worst contract rankings

Cleveland Browns fans are stoked for the 2022 season thanks in large part to two key additions — quarterback Deshaun Watson and wide receiver Amari Cooper.

Landing these two players gives Cleveland an elite signal-caller who can take them where they want to go. On top of that, they now have a wide receiver who has consistently put up more than 1,000-yards per season and seems like a perfect fit in Kevin Stefanski’s offense.

However, not everyone is enamored by these additions.

In fact, Sayre Bedinger of NFL Spin Zone has them ranked as the No. 2 and No. 1 worst contracts in the NFL ahead of the 2022 season.

Cleveland Browns contracts take some heat

Coming in at No. 2 was Amari Cooper, who had a 5 year, $100 million deal with $60 million guaranteed. He originally signed this deal with the Dallas Cowboys, who decided to unload this on Cleveland in exchange for a fifth-round pick.

Bedinger’s complaint is two-fold. First, he says Cooper is not on the same level as guys such as Tyreek Hill or Davante Adams — but his contract is in the same ballpark. Second, he didn’t care for them moving his contract into future years.

"“The Browns put almost $8 million of that into future years when Cooper is not even under contract with the team.” — Bedinger, NFL Spin Zone"

After that, he had Deshaun Watson coming in as the worst contract in the NFL. Of course for Watson, the move is not as much about his play as it is about the off-field concerns. Bedinger cites the 22 allegations against Watson while also pointing out he was away from the NFL for a full season.

With those factors weighing against Watson, Bedinger claims the five-year, $230 million — fully guaranteed deal — screams of desperation.

"“Considering the off-field issues and year away from the game, the only reason to make a move like this is out of pure desperation.” — Bedinger, NFL Spin Zone"

The criticisms brought up by Bedinger clearly have merit. Cooper is an ultra-talented player but he hasn’t been on the same level as some of the elites who get paid like him. Still, it’s not much more than Jarvis Landry was making, and he’s a huge upgrade over him.

Not to mention, his precise route-running is perfect for what Stefanski wants, which could help him tremendously.

As for Watson, the front office knows this is a huge risk. They’re betting their jobs on this young man and it will either look brilliant or awful. It doesn’t seem as though there will be an in-between.