Deshaun Watson's Future, Trade Rumors, and More NFL News

Six weeks into the NFL season, the Cleveland Browns have surprised almost everyone. They are 4-2 and sitting at the top of the AFC North division. Quarterback Deshaun Watson has come back strong after missing all of last season with injuries. Now people are starting to ask whether Watson could stick around with Cleveland after his contract ends.

Watson is in the last year of a contract worth $230 million in fully guaranteed money, meaning the Browns had to pay him no matter what. The team also gave up three first-round draft picks to get him, and many called it one of the worst deals in NFL history. Watson then missed games because of a league suspension and injuries, including two tears of his Achilles tendon. But this season, he has led three fourth-quarter comebacks and four game-winning drives.

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said it was too early to talk about Watson's future but praised the way Watson fought back. One league source said the door is 'wide open' for Watson to stay in Cleveland, adding it may be his only real shot at a starting job. Still, his injury history and legal troubles — he settled 27 civil lawsuits — could make other teams hesitant. Negotiating a new deal would be tricky, since Watson would expect starter-level pay.

Running back Jonathan Taylor is not being traded yet, but his future with the Indianapolis Colts is uncertain. The Colts are 2-4 and sources say they want to see how the next few weeks go before making any decisions. Taylor has rushed for over 1,400 yards in each of the last two seasons and is one of the team's few bright spots. The New York Giants and the Minnesota Vikings are said to be interested if he becomes available.

The Tennessee Titans made a tough call this week and released defensive tackle Jordan Elliott. Elliott had pulled a gun from his car at the team's facility after an argument with a teammate, which breaks league rules. Coach Robert Saleh called it 'a cry for help' and said Elliott had no previous arrests and was well liked. The team made sure Elliott had access to doctors and mental-health support even after letting him go.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts recently had a scary medical situation involving a blood clot. The NFL Players Association wants a full investigation into how it was handled. NFL doctors said they were confident the Eagles' medical staff did the right things, but noted there is no specific league rule for how to handle blood clots. Even if the investigation finds nothing wrong, it could lead to new guidelines for players who get sick during road trips, especially international ones.

The Detroit Lions are working on a contract extension for tight end Sam LaPorta, a second-round pick from the 2023 draft. The Lions have been slow in past negotiations — it took a long time to sign Jahmyr Gibbs and Penei Sewell, and waiting on Aidan Hutchinson cost the team an extra $10 million per year. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to make tight end Brock Bowers the highest-paid tight end ever, which would raise the market for everyone. The sooner the Lions act on LaPorta, the less it is likely to cost them.

Former quarterback Matt Ryan is now president of football for the Atlanta Falcons, and the early results look positive. This has people wondering if other retired star quarterbacks might move into team leadership roles. Peyton Manning's name has come up in connection with the Indianapolis Colts, who recently fired their longtime general manager. John Elway and Ozzie Newsome are past examples of star players who ran NFL teams successfully.

Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is making a strong case for another head-coaching job with a standout season in Denver. The Broncos rank among the top teams in points allowed this year, even as their offense has struggled. Joseph interviewed for five head-coaching jobs last year without landing one. His supporters believe his work this season proves he deserves a second chance.

The NFL confirmed it will play a game in Paris, France, on Sunday despite some unrest in the city. The league has been expanding internationally and could have up to 10 games played outside the U.S. next year. Commissioner Roger Goodell also addressed questions about Giants co-owner Steve Tisch, who appeared in emails tied to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, saying the league was comfortable with Tisch's continued role. Finally, former NFL star J.J. Watt was named lead analyst for the NFL on CBS, a job many say he has been building toward since retiring from playing.