Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
Cleveland Browns Owner Concedes Deshaun Watson Trade a “Big Swing and Miss”
Cleveland Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam has publicly acknowledged that the team’s acquisition of quarterback Deshaun Watson has not met expectations, labeling it a “big swing and miss.” The Browns’ highly debated move to trade for Watson involved sending a significant package to the Houston Texans, including valuable first-round draft picks.
Costly Trade and Guaranteed Contract
In 2022, the Browns orchestrated a trade with the Houston Texans, surrendering three first-round selections and other assets to secure the services of Deshaun Watson. At the time considered among the league’s elite quarterbacks, Watson arrived in Cleveland amidst serious allegations of sexual misconduct from numerous women. The Browns then committed to Watson with a substantial $230 million contract, fully guaranteed. While Watson was never criminally charged regarding the accusations, the National Football League (NFL) conducted its own investigation and suspended him for 11 games during the 2022 season.
Watson’s Underperformance and Injuries
The Browns’ investment in Watson has yet to yield the anticipated returns. He has not completed a full season for Cleveland due to a combination of suspension and injuries. Furthermore, his on-field performance has consistently ranked low in quarterback rating (QBR) metrics. Over three seasons with the Browns, Watson has recorded 19 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions. By comparison, in the 2024 NFL season alone, fifteen quarterbacks surpassed 19 touchdowns. The team has made only one playoff appearance during his tenure, a game they lost, despite possessing a top-tier NFL defense. Watson was sidelined with an injury and unable to participate in that playoff contest.
Haslam’s Candid Admission
Speaking at the league’s annual meeting on Monday, Haslam offered a frank assessment of the Deshaun Watson situation, admitting the move has thus far been unsuccessful. “We took a big swing-and-miss with Deshaun,” Haslam stated. “We believed we were acquiring our franchise quarterback, but it hasn’t materialized. Consequently, we forfeited considerable draft capital in the trade, and we must now navigate ourselves out of that predicament.” Haslam emphasized the organizational nature of the decision, saying, “[The trade] was a decision made by the entire organization, ultimately resting with Dee [Haslam] and myself. We accept accountability for it.”
Uncertain Future for Watson and Browns
The likelihood of Watson revitalizing his Browns career appears increasingly remote. He is anticipated to miss a considerable portion of the 2025 season after suffering an Achilles tendon injury in 2024, which was further aggravated. Despite these setbacks, Watson remains under contract for two more seasons, with the Browns obligated to pay him $46 million per season.
Draft Strategy and Quarterback Position
Speculation has arisen that the Browns might utilize their No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft to select a quarterback. This high draft position is a result of the team’s disappointing 3-14 record in the previous season. However, Haslam indicated on Monday that the team will exercise prudence in their draft approach. “It would be ideal if we could secure a franchise quarterback,” Haslam commented, “but we will not force the issue. We intend to remain patient and focus on accumulating as much high-quality football talent as possible.”