BEREA, Ohio — General manager Andrew Berry of the Cleveland Browns has not dismissed the possibility of quarterback Deshaun Watson returning to the field, despite his recent injury status, a string of subpar seasons, and a concerned fan base.
Watson, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on October 20, will miss the remainder of the season. This setback has raised questions regarding his future with the Browns, especially considering the controversial trade that brought him to Cleveland in 2022.
In a recent press conference, Berry addressed speculation about Watson’s prospects with the team, stating, “That’s always possible,” when asked if the quarterback might play again for the Browns.
Since being traded, Watson has struggled to meet expectations, particularly with the team’s current record of 2-7 and multiple concerns surrounding their quarterback situation. The Browns’ decision to trade three first-round draft picks to Houston and sign the 29-year-old quarterback to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract has not gone as planned.
Record-wise, Watson has achieved a 9-10 record over just 19 games, which includes serving an 11-game suspension imposed by the NFL due to violations of its personal conduct policy. His last two seasons have been marred by injuries, with a broken shoulder last season and now the ruptured tendon.
Watson has a substantial financial obligation, as he is set to receive $46 million in each of the next two years, while the Browns face a significant salary-cap impact of $72 million, complicating their efforts to enhance the team’s roster.
The reception of this trade has prompted widespread critique, with some analysts labeling it one of the most unfavorable deals in NFL history. Team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam received backlash for proceeding with the acquisition, especially given Watson’s history of facing allegations of sexual misconduct related to incidents involving multiple women during his time with the Texans.
Berry emphasized that the decision to pursue Watson was a collective agreement within the organization. “As we’ve always said, all of us were on board,” he remarked, highlighting the collaborative nature of the decision-making process, especially given the considerable commitment involved.
When Watson joined the Browns, reactions among fans were polarized, with a number expressing discontent at the signing due to the surrounding controversies. After Watson’s injury, some reported instances of sarcastic cheers, which drew ire from multiple teammates advocating for their injured colleague.
When questioned about how fan reactions might influence future quarterback decisions, Berry acknowledged the passionate nature of the fan base. He asserted, “We love our fans. We know that they’re passionate and they love the team. In making organizational decisions, we will always adhere to what we believe is in the best interest of the franchise. Some of those decisions will be welcomed, while others may not, but that’s the reality of our strategy moving forward.”