Browns’ Co-Owner Reflects on Deshaun Watson Trade: A Candid Admission of a “Big Swing-and-Miss”
In the world of professional sports, decisions are often made with the hope of transforming a team’s fortunes. However, not every gamble pays off, and sometimes, even the most calculated risks can lead to unexpected outcomes. This is precisely the situation the Cleveland Browns find themselves in, as co-owner Jimmy Haslam candidly admitted during the league’s annual meeting in Palm Beach, Florida.
Back in March 2022, the Browns made headlines with a blockbuster trade, acquiring quarterback Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans. The trade package was substantial, involving three first-round picks, and the Browns followed it up by signing Watson to a $230 million contract that was fully guaranteed. It was a bold move, one that signaled the Browns’ intent to secure a franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future.
However, the reality has been far from what the Browns had envisioned. Since joining the team, Watson has started just 19 games, a number significantly impacted by both suspension and injuries. His performance on the field 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.
During the meeting, Haslam didn’t shy away from acknowledging the misstep. “We took a big swing-and-miss with Deshaun,” he stated. “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.”
Haslam’s admission is a rare moment of transparency in the often-guarded world of NFL ownership. He emphasized that the decision to trade for Watson was an organizational one, ultimately resting on the shoulders of himself and co-owner Dee Haslam. “Hold us accountable,” he added, underscoring the responsibility they bear for the outcome.
Watson’s journey 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, Watson’s suspension was the result of a settlement between the NFL and the NFL Players Association.
Looking ahead, the Browns face a challenging road. Watson is expected to miss a significant portion of the 2025 season due to a torn right Achilles tendon, which required a second operation in January after retearing. Despite these setbacks, the Browns are still on the hook for $46 million in each of the next two seasons.
Currently, the Browns’ quarterback room 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 future direction. While acknowledging the unsuccessful trade, he stated that the Browns are not necessarily committed 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 explained. “We’re going to be patient and we’re going to try to accumulate as many really good football players as we can.”
- Deshaun Watson’s trade involved three first-round picks.
- Watson’s contract is fully guaranteed at $230 million.
- Watson has started just 19 games for the Browns.
- Watson’s legal issues led to an 11-game suspension in 2022.
- The Browns owe Watson $46 million annually for the next two seasons.
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 Browns’ approach to future acquisitions and draft picks, as they strive to build a competitive roster capable of contending in the NFL.
Originally Written by: Daniel Oyefusi
