Cleveland Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam openly admitted that the team’s blockbuster trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson has been a “massive failure.” Speaking at the NFL’s annual league meetings, Haslam didn’t shy away from the reality that the franchise’s bold move in 2022 hasn’t delivered the expected results.
The Browns traded three first-round draft picks to acquire Watson from the Houston Texans before signing him to a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract. However, since joining the team, Watson has played in just 19 games due to injuries and a suspension, struggling to perform at an elite level.
Deshaun Watson exits on the cart with the entire team huddled around him
Injuries and off-field issues derail Watson’s tenure
Watson’s time in Cleveland has been marred by both injuries and off-field controversies. After missing 11 games in 2022 due to a suspension stemming from multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, Watson has also dealt with significant injuries.
A torn right Achilles in October 2024 required a second surgery, and the Browns anticipate he will miss a substantial portion of the 2025 season.
Haslam acknowledged the organization’s mistake, stating, “We thought we had our quarterback; we didn’t. And we gave up a lot of draft capital to get him, so now we have to climb out of this hole. The decision was made as an organization, but ultimately, the responsibility falls on Dee and me.”
What’s next for the Browns at quarterback?
With Watson sidelined and uncertainty surrounding his long-term availability, the Browns recently acquired Kenny Pickett in a trade. Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Pickett will have a legitimate opportunity to compete for the starting job in 2025.
Despite admitting their miscalculation with Watson, Haslam made it clear that Cleveland is not locked into selecting a quarterback with the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. “It would be great if we could find ‘the quarterback,’ but we’re not going to force it,” Haslam said. “We’ll be patient and focus on adding as many quality football players as possible.”
Financial implications and future outlook
Watson’s contract remains a significant burden for the Browns, as he is still owed $46 million in each of the next two seasons. With major draft capital already spent on acquiring him, Cleveland now faces the challenge of rebuilding while managing a difficult salary cap situation.
As the Browns navigate their next steps, Haslam’s rare public admission underscores the high-risk nature of the NFL’s most important position. Whether the team can recover from this setback remains to be seen.
