In Palm Beach, Florida, the co-owner of the Cleveland Browns, Jimmy Haslam, openly acknowledged the teamโs misstep in acquiring quarterback Deshaun Watson in their 2022 trade. During a discussion with reporters at the leagueโs meetings, Haslam expressed the teamโs realization that they โtook a big swing and missโ regarding Watson.
Haslam stated on Monday, โWe believed we had secured our quarterback, but we misjudged, and we sacrificed numerous draft picks in the process. Now, we find ourselves needing to recover from that misstep.โ He emphasized the collective nature of the decision within the organization, urging that accountability should land on himself and fellow co-owner Dee Haslam.
The Browns acquired Watson, who is now 29, from the Houston Texans and subsequently secured him with a five-year agreement amounting to a fully guaranteed $230 million. This trade cost Cleveland five draft picks, including three highly coveted first-round selections. Nonetheless, challenges have marred Watsonโs time with the Browns.
He has participated in a modest total of 19 games since joining the team. Watsonโs recent injury struggles may also cost him the entire 2025 season, as he suffered a devastating right Achilles tendon ruptureโan injury he had previously sustained just a few months earlier in October 2024.
In 2022, Watson saw limited action following a league-imposed suspension, missing the first 11 games. The year 2023 saw him make six starts before a shoulder injury ended his season. Last year, he started seven games before his Achilles injury sidelined him once more. Watson currently holds a 9-10 record with the Browns, throwing 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, with a passer rating of 80.7.
Due to these circumstances, Cleveland has restructured Watsonโs contract on two occasions since December. The restructuring involved adding โvoid yearsโ up to 2030, which provides extra financial leeway to distribute the contractโs dead money instead of absorbing it in a single season. Moreover, the Browns have safeguarded themselves with contract insurance and could potentially receive salary cap relief from the NFL if Watson is unable to play for the season.
The Browns hold the second overall pick in the forthcoming NFL draft, courtesy of their 3-14 performance in 2024. They have been actively scouting top quarterback prospects, such as Coloradoโs Shedeur Sanders and Miamiโs Cam Ward and also possess the 33rd pick if they choose to draft a player in the second round or trade to secure another first-round selection.
However, Jimmy Haslam maintains a strategic outlook, not insisting that the team must draft a quarterback even if Tennessee makes the initial pick. Haslam conveyed, โOur emphasis will be on selecting the right player at the right time. If we donโt find the ideal quarterback, weโll adapt for a year or two until the right opportunity presents itself. This draft is ripe with talented players, and itโs crucial for us to identify individuals who align perfectly with our teamโs needs.โ
Currently, other than Watson, Clevelandโs quarterback depth consists solely of Kenny Pickett, who they acquired from Philadelphia. They also considered Russell Wilson, who ultimately opted to sign with the New York Giants.