Chad Ochocinco has warned that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has only a very short leash to prove himself, suggesting he could lose his starting job as early as Week 3 if results don't improve quickly. The comments come after head coach Todd Monken named Watson the Week 1 starter over Shedeur Sanders, a decision that has kept debate raging given Watson's underwhelming record in Cleveland and the size of his contract, with fans even booing him during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.

Ochocinco told OutKick that if the Browns open the season 0-2 against Jacksonville and Tampa Bay, a change would likely come before their Week 3 home game against Carolina, and argued the competition was never genuine given Watson's $46 million salary. Since joining Cleveland from Houston on a fully guaranteed $230 million deal, Watson has started just 19 games in three seasons, hampered by injury and an 11-game suspension, posting a 9-10 record, 19 touchdowns to 12 interceptions and an 80.7 passer rating, well below the 104.5 rating he posted with the Texans.