The Cleveland Browns received devastating news on Wednesday morning when it was announced that quarterback Deshaun Watson will miss the remainder of the season due to a shoulder fracture. With Watson out, the Browns will now turn to P.J. Walker as the starter and rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson as the backup. However, fans and analysts are questioning whether the Browns' decision not to trade for a better backup quarterback before the trade deadline will come back to haunt them.

There were options available at the trade deadline, such as Josh Dobbs and Jacoby Brissett, who could have provided a more reliable option behind Watson. It remains unclear whether the Browns attempted to upgrade the position, but the fact remains that they now have to rely on an inexperienced backup.

The Browns are considered contenders this season, with a strong defense and a talented roster. However, without a viable backup quarterback, their chances of success may be in jeopardy. Free-agent options are limited, with Carson Wentz recently signing with the Rams and Matt Ryan showing no signs of returning for the 2023 season.

The Browns' only hope at this point is if players like Ryan Tannehill or Jimmy Garoppolo request to be released and clear waivers, allowing the Browns to sign them as free agents. But this is far from guaranteed.

As the Browns prepare to navigate the remainder of the season without Watson, they will have to hope that Walker can rise to the occasion and that their offense can still find success without their star quarterback. Otherwise, the decision not to acquire a better backup quarterback may be a decision the Browns regret.