Are Browns nearing end of Deshaun Watson experiment after latest trade?

The Cleveland Browns (1-5) are closer to having the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft than making the playoffs, and their latest move hints they don't think that's about to change.

On Tuesday, the Browns traded five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper and a 2025 sixth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills for a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 seventh-round pick.

Since Cleveland acquired Cooper in 2022, he's been the team's undoubted No. 1 wide receiver, registering 174 catches for 2,660 yards and 16 touchdowns.

So trading him signifies the Browns are admitting their chances to contend this season are all but over and are beginning to plan for the future.

Parting ways with Cooper could also hint that Cleveland is getting closer to accepting that its decision to trade a king's ransom for quarterback Deshaun Watson and then sign him to a five-year, $230M fully guaranteed contract was a terrible idea.

That isn't coming this week as head coach Kevin Stefanski reiterated that Watson will remain the starter, believing he gives the Browns "the best chance to win."

However, that could happen sooner rather than later, as Cleveland has a big AFC North matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) in Week 7.

In six games, Watson has thrown just 1,020 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. If he continues to struggle, which looks pretty possible without Cooper, the Browns may finally bench him. 

Cleveland will have to rely on wide receivers Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore, among others, to make up for the loss of Cooper.

As for Cooper, he is welcoming his fresh start, and rightfully so.

"Andrew Berry called me and told me what was going on. As far as playing with Josh [Allen], I've always been fan of his game. I'm sure to see it up close and personal and play alongside him, I'm sure it's going to be great," Cooper said via NFL insider Josina Anderson. "I've been in this situation before, so that helps. I'm just excited to turn a new chapter and to be able to contribute."