Cleveland Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam recently admitted that the team’s controversial decision to acquire Deshaun Watson has been a significant failure, referring to it as a “big swing and miss.” The trade, which took place in 2022, involved the Browns sending a package that included three first-round draft picks to the Houston Texans in exchange for Watson, who had been accused of sexual assault by multiple women. Despite never facing criminal charges, Watson was suspended by the NFL for 11 games during the 2022 season after the league conducted its own investigation into the allegations.
At the time of the trade, Watson was considered one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. The Browns, in an effort to secure a long-term franchise quarterback, rewarded Watson with a fully guaranteed contract worth $230 million, a move that drew significant controversy. The decision was seen as a gamble, and so far, it has not paid off. Watson’s performance on the field has been dismal, and his off-field issues have only added to the team’s woes.
Since joining the Browns, Watson has failed to live up to expectations. Injuries and suspensions have kept him from completing a full season, and his performance when he has been on the field has been underwhelming. In his three seasons with Cleveland, Watson has thrown 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. For context, in the 2024 NFL season alone, 15 quarterbacks threw more than 19 touchdowns, highlighting just how far Watson’s performance has lagged behind the rest of the league.
Despite having one of the best defenses in the league, the Browns have struggled to find success with Watson under center. They have played just one playoff game since his arrival, which they lost, and Watson missed that game due to injury. The team’s hopes of turning around their fortunes with Watson have been dashed, and his future with the Browns looks increasingly uncertain.
Haslam has acknowledged the significant cost of the trade, both in terms of draft picks and the financial commitment to Watson. The Browns owe Watson $46 million in each of the next two seasons, which has put the team in a difficult position. With Watson now facing another significant injury he tore and re-tore his Achilles in 2024, which kept him sidelined for much of the season the likelihood of him ever living up to his contract seems slim.
As the Browns approach the 2025 season, Haslam has expressed regret over the decision but remains committed to doing what he can to improve the team moving forward. The team’s draft strategy is now in question, as the Browns hold the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming draft after finishing with a 3-14 record last season. Speculation has arisen that the Browns could select a quarterback to replace Watson, but Haslam emphasized that the team would not rush into such a decision.
“We’re not going to force it,” Haslam said at the NFL’s annual meeting. “We’re going to be patient and we’re going to try to accumulate as many really good football players as we can.” This statement suggests that the Browns are aware of the need for a broader strategy, one that focuses on building the team as a whole rather than depending on one player to turn everything around.
The road ahead for the Browns is uncertain, but Haslam’s admission of the team’s misstep with Watson indicates that the franchise is aware of the hole it has dug for itself. Moving forward, the Browns will need to find a way to overcome the financial and roster implications of the Watson trade while also seeking to rebuild their quarterback position and overall team depth. With a significant cap hit looming and no clear solution in sight, Cleveland’s future remains in flux.
