Markees Watts

Career StatsD

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		22	13	1.5	—
2025		15	9	0.5	0
2024		5	—	—	—
2023		7

Season	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT	PD	Grade
2025		15	9	0.5	0	—	F F Bottom 5%
2024		5	—	—	—	—	C- C- Below average
2023		7	4	1.0	0	—	F F Bottom 5%

Grades reflect the player's performance in each season. Header grade shows the current season.

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The D+ Contract Value Index on Markees Watts's deal stems from how the cap hit lines up against on-field output. At $1.145M AAV on a one-year deal, Watts is priced like a reserve linebacker with modest market value—appropriate for a third-year player carrying replacement-level credentials. His 2025 season production of 9 tackles and 0.5 sacks across 15 games confirms what the market already knew: he's a depth piece without the productivity to justify a larger investment or secure role. At 26, Watts should theoretically be in his prime athletic window, but his career trajectory suggests he has not evolved into a consistent contributor since entering the league three years ago—just 1.5 sacks total across that span leaves little room for upside narratives. Tampa Bay's decision to decline his restricted free agent tender and simultaneously sign linebacker Josiah Trotter while addressing multiple defensive positions signals organizational clarity: Watts is not part of their plans going forward, and Cleveland is simply absorbing him as a low-risk depth add for a team sitting at 5-12 with minimal pressure to compete immediately. The one-year structure carries zero long-term cap commitment, making this a true prove-it opportunity—though his minimal playing time prospects under the current Browns roster construction suggest even that avenue is unlikely to materialize.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the D band — a quick read on where Markees's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Production at linebacker earns Markees Watts a D performance grade in the current sample. The 26-year-old third-year player registered 9 tackles and 0.5 sacks across 15 games in the 2025 season, a stat line that places him firmly in the replacement-level tier — a defender without a defined role or the production volume to earn meaningful snaps in a competitive rotation. His tackle total offers a glimmer of involvement in the defense, but 0.5 sacks over a full season of availability reveals the core problem: he is not generating impact plays at a position where disruption in the backfield is table stakes. Durability was not the issue — he played all 15 games — but the output simply does not justify a roster spot at the NFL level. The Buccaneers' decision not to tender him as a restricted free agent carries more weight than any individual stat, effectively signaling that Tampa Bay views him as below the threshold worth retaining, a verdict the Browns now inherit as they evaluate depth options heading into the 2026 regular season. With minimal fan enthusiasm and cautious media framing around his developmental prospects, Watts faces an uphill climb to carve out a meaningful role unless injuries create an unexpected opportunity.

How Markees Compares at the Position

Markees Watts ranks 308th of 337 graded linebackers by performance. That slots Markees between Kristian Welch (D) just ahead and Jamal Hill (D) just behind.

Fan Sentiment

Browns add depth defensive end with minimal fanfare or impact expected. Multiple headlines suggest routine roster moves rather than meaningful acquisition news. Immediate placement on retired list signals this was paperwork rather than football addition. Fans likely view this as organizational housekeeping during offseason roster management. Browns presumably addressing depth needs while awaiting other defensive line developments.