Disappointments and down seasons are nothing new for the Cleveland Browns, but the team’s current state feels uniquely grim.

A sense of permanence surrounds the franchise’s struggles, exacerbated by the acquisition of quarterback Deshaun Watson. His fully guaranteed contract has become an anchor weighing down the organization, with no feasible escape in sight.

Watson has shown flashes of potential in his three seasons with Cleveland, but for the most part, his tenure has been a sobering reminder of the team’s bleak outlook.

With a championship-caliber defense, there was hope last season that head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry had found a path forward. That optimism spiked after the late-season signing of veteran Joe Flacco, who came out of retirement to deliver a surprisingly strong December. Flacco reinvigorated the offense, which at times looked unstoppable.

But the momentum fizzled when offseason decisions were made. The Browns opted for continuity, betting on a healthy Watson to return to form after his season-ending surgery. Instead, Cleveland has been plagued by injuries on the offensive line, a punchless running game without Nick Chubb, and a passing attack hampered by Watson’s inconsistency.

Watson’s inability to find Amari Cooper—or anyone else for that matter—has left the Browns’ offense lifeless. Cooper might as well be Alice Cooper, Michael Cooper, or even Mark Cooper from Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper. The results have been that disappointing.

In October, Watson suffered another season-ending injury, leaving Cleveland with a 1-6 record under his leadership and little reason for optimism. The quarterback, once heralded for his elite skills, now resembles a rusted-out Chevette after too many rebuilds.

Oddly enough, Watson’s absence seemed to relieve some of the offense’s pressure. Stefanski no longer had to claim Watson gave the Browns the best chance to win.

The team responded by shocking the Baltimore Ravens in one of the season’s most unexpected upsets. But the magic Stefanski found with Flacco is long gone.

Jameis Winston, now at the helm, is playing with purpose, but he’s steering a makeshift operation. Even the team’s own personnel seem to lack faith in the Browns’ chances.

The weight holding Cleveland back remains Watson’s guaranteed contract. The financial commitment is a burden the Browns can’t escape without hamstringing the franchise for years.

Berry may publicly express confidence in Watson’s ability to rebound, but it’s hard to believe he sees the quarterback as capable of leading Cleveland to consecutive wins, let alone an AFC North title.

Berry’s fingerprints are all over this roster, and until the Watson problem is resolved, the Browns are stuck paddling a sinking ship, knowing no amount of effort can deliver real progress.