Browns Owner Admits Epic Fail

The Cleveland Browns are finally facing the music regarding a decision that fans and analysts have been critiquing for quite some time: the trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson and his subsequent contract have been deemed a colossal blunder.

In a candid moment with reporters, team owner Jimmy Haslam stated, "We took a big swing and miss with Deshaun. We thought we had the quarterback; we didn't, and we gave up a lot of draft picks to get him. So we've got to dig ourselves out of that hole. ... [The trade] was an entire organization decision and it ends with Dee [Haslam] and I, so hold us accountable."

The Cost of Acquisition

The Browns pulled off a shocking trade in March 2022, trading for Watson and a conditional 2024 sixth-round draft pick from the Houston Texans. In exchange, they sacrificed three first-round picks (for 2022 to 2024), a third-round pick in 2023, and two fourth-round selections (2022 and 2024).

A Controversial Contract

But that wasn't all. The Browns further complicated their future by signing Watson to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract—the largest guaranteed deal in NFL history at that time. The move ignited controversy not only due to the massive financial expenditure but also because Watson was embroiled in serious legal issues, facing 22 lawsuits from women alleging sexual misconduct and harassment. The trade occurred after a Texas grand jury declined to file criminal charges against him, and he has since reached settlements in many of the lawsuits.

Underwhelming Performance

Expectations were high that the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback would significantly elevate the Browns' offense. However, reality has proven to be starkly different. In his 19 starts over the past three seasons, Watson has amassed only 3,365 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, completing a mere 61.2% of his passes while being sacked an astonishing 70 times. The Browns hold a disappointing 9-10 record during his starts.

Injury Setbacks

Injury challenges have not helped Watson's situation, yet he has been nowhere near the elite performer he was during his final season in Houston in 2020, when he threw for 4,823 yards, 33 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. As it stands, the Browns are in a tough spot; releasing Watson could lead to a staggering $172.3 million dead cap hit this offseason, meaning he is likely to remain in Cleveland for at least the next two seasons.

What Lies Ahead?

Given his current ruptured Achilles injury, there's speculation that Watson will spend most of the 2025 season rehabilitating, which raises questions about his role heading into 2026. If he returns to the field, he may find himself as the highest-paid backup quarterback in NFL history, which could lead to an unsettling atmosphere in the locker room.

Looking ahead, the Browns must quickly figure out a contingency plan to replace Watson. They recently acquired Kenny Pickett from the Philadelphia Eagles, potentially seeing him as a bridge quarterback or a seasoned backup for the time being. The Browns could also target prospects in upcoming drafts—both this year and next—to secure a long-term solution at the quarterback position.

It’s now abundantly clear that the organization has lost confidence in Watson as their future franchise quarterback. The era of the ambitious but ultimately reckless investment in Deshaun Watson has drawn to a close, leaving the Browns at a pivotal crossroads as they plot their next steps in an ever-evolving NFL landscape. What will the organization do next? Only time will tell!