Browns’ Co-Owner Reflects on Deshaun Watson Trade: A Costly Gamble
In the world of professional sports, few things are as scrutinized as the decisions made by team owners and executives. The Cleveland Browns’ co-owner, Jimmy Haslam, recently provided a candid reflection on one of the team’s most significant moves in recent years. Speaking at the league’s annual meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, Haslam described the trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson as a “big swing-and-miss.” This admission comes as the Browns continue to grapple with the fallout from a decision that has not panned out as hoped.
Back in March 2022, the Browns made headlines by acquiring Watson from the Houston Texans in a blockbuster trade. The deal included three first-round picks, a hefty price for a player who was expected to be the franchise quarterback. To sweeten the deal, Cleveland signed Watson to a $230 million contract that was fully guaranteed. It was a bold move, one that signaled the Browns’ commitment to building a winning team around a star quarterback.
However, the reality has been far from the expectations. Since joining the Browns, Watson has started just 19 games, a number limited by both suspension and injuries. His performance has been underwhelming, with one of the lowest Total QBRs in the NFL. To make matters worse, Watson has suffered consecutive season-ending injuries in 2023 and 2024, further complicating the Browns’ quarterback situation.
“We took a big swing-and-miss with Deshaun,” Haslam admitted. “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.” It’s a sobering acknowledgment from the team’s leadership, one that underscores the challenges the Browns face moving forward.
Watson’s time in Cleveland has been marred not only by injuries but also by legal troubles. In 2022, he served an 11-game suspension after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage sessions. Although two Texas grand juries declined to pursue criminal charges, the NFL and the NFL Players Association reached a settlement on his discipline, resulting in the suspension.
Looking ahead, the Browns still owe Watson $46 million in each of the next two seasons, a financial commitment that looms large over the team’s future plans. The quarterback room currently includes Watson and Kenny Pickett, whom the team acquired in a trade in mid-March. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has indicated that Pickett will have the opportunity to compete for the starting role in 2025.
Despite the challenges, Haslam remains open-minded about the team’s strategy moving forward. He emphasized that the Browns are not necessarily tied to selecting a quarterback with the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. “It would be great if we could get ‘the quarterback,’ but we’re not going to force it,” Haslam said. “We’re going to be patient and we’re going to try to accumulate as many really good football players as we can.”
- Watson’s trade involved three first-round picks.
- He signed a $230 million fully guaranteed contract.
- Watson has started just 19 games for the Browns.
- He has suffered consecutive season-ending injuries.
- Watson served an 11-game suspension in 2022.
As the Browns navigate this challenging period, the focus will be on rebuilding and making strategic decisions that can set the team on a path to success. The lessons learned from the Watson trade will undoubtedly shape the team’s approach in the coming years, as they seek to balance ambition with caution in their pursuit of a championship.
Originally Written by: Daniel Oyefusi
