Cleveland Browns Owner Admits Deshaun Watson Trade Was a ‘Big Mistake’
Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has candidly admitted that the acquisition of quarterback Deshaun Watson was a “big mistake.” The admission comes after Watson’s tenure with the Browns has been marred by suspensions, injuries, and inconsistent performance, despite the team’s meaningful investment in him.
High Cost, Low Return: The Watson Trade Fallout
In March 2022, the browns traded three first-round draft picks to the Houston texans to acquire Watson, afterward signing him to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. However, Watson has started only 19 games for Cleveland, sidelined due to an 11-game suspension in 2022 for violating the league’s personal conduct policy and season-ending injuries in both 2023 and 2024.
Haslam Takes Obligation for Watson Trade
“We missed on Deshaun,” haslam stated at the league’s annual meeting. “we thought we had the right quarterback, but we didn’t. We gave up a lot of draft picks to get him,so we have to get ourselves out of that mess.” Haslam emphasized that the decision to trade for Watson was an organizational one, ultimately approved by him and his wife, Dee Haslam, stating, “Hold us accountable.”
Watson’s Troubled Tenure: Injuries and Legal Issues
Watson’s time with the browns has been plagued by more than just on-field struggles. A three-time Pro Bowl selection with the Texans, Watson suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in October and underwent a second surgery in January after a re-tear. The Browns have indicated that Watson is expected to miss a significant portion of the 2025 season as well.
Prior to joining the Browns, Watson faced legal troubles, with over two dozen women accusing him of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior during massage sessions. While two Texas grand juries declined to indict Watson, he served an 11-game suspension in 2022 following an agreement between the NFL and the NFL Players Association.
Browns’ Quarterback Plans Beyond Watson
The Browns are still financially committed to Watson, owing him $46 million for each of the next two seasons. The team recently acquired Kenny Pickett, who Browns coach Kevin Stefanski says will have the prospect to compete for the starting quarterback position in 2025.
Despite the unsuccessful Watson trade,Haslam clarified that the team is not necessarily targeting a quarterback with their second pick in 2025. “It would be great if we could get a quarterback, but we’re not going to force it.We’re going to be patient,and we’re going to try to draft really good football players.”
Given the legal issues and on-field performance, how much obligation does the Browns institution bear for thoroughly vetting Deshaun Watson before making the trade?
Cleveland Browns Owner Admits Deshaun Watson Trade Was a ‘Big Mistake’ – Q&A
Following the candid admission by Browns owner Jimmy Haslam that the Deshaun Watson trade was a significant error, we dive deeper into the situation with some key questions and answers.
Q&A
Q: What exactly went wrong with the Deshaun watson trade?
A: The Browns traded three first-round draft picks and signed Watson to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract in March 2022. Though, Watson has underperformed, playing only 19 games due to suspension and injuries. This represents a massive investment with a low return.
Q: What kind of injuries has Watson suffered?
A: Watson suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in October and underwent a second surgery in January due to a re-tear. This injury will likely cause him to miss much of the 2025 season.
The Browns announced that Deshaun Watson will miss the rest of the 2024 season due to the torn Achilles [[1](https://www.si.com/nfl/browns/news/cleveland-browns-deshaun-watson-return-timeline-revealed)].
Q: What were the legal issues surrounding Watson?
A: Before joining the Browns, Watson faced accusations of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior from over two dozen women during massage sessions. While he wasn’t indicted, he served an 11-game suspension in 2022.
Q: How is the team handling the quarterback position now?
A: The Browns still owe Watson $46 million for each of the next two seasons. They recently acquired Kenny Pickett, who will compete for the starting quarterback position in 2025.
Q: Will the Browns target a quarterback in the 2025 draft?
A: While they’d welcome a quarterback, the Browns are not forcing the issue, stating they will be patient and focus on drafting “really good football players.”
Q: What does this mean for the Browns’ future?
A: The Browns have a significant financial commitment to Watson. Their success hinges on how they can rebuild and improve with their draft picks and any potential new acquisitions.
The browns’ bold move for Deshaun Watson has backfired. Let the Browns’ journey serve as a reminder that even the best-laid plans can go astray. Stay tuned as they navigate the challenges ahead.
