Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam made headlines at the NFL Annual Meeting when he admitted that the team’s trade for Deshaun Watson was a “swing and miss.” The Browns traded three first-round picks to acquire Watson in 2022 and signed him to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. However, Watson’s tenure in Cleveland has been marred by controversy, injuries and inconsistent performances.
Haslam Honesty Earns Watson Response via Social Media
“We took a big swing and miss with Deshaun,” Haslam stated. “We thought we had the quarterback; we didn’t. And we gave up a lot of draft picks to get him, so we’ve got to dig ourselves out of that hole.”
Haslam’s remarks signaled a shift in Cleveland’s stance on Watson, who is recovering from a torn Achilles and could miss the majority of next season. The comments did not go unnoticed by Watson or his representatives.
Following Haslam’s statements, Watson took to Instagram, posting multiple photos of himself training at the Browns’ facility. His caption read, “Maybe, if I weren’t built for this, I’d let it phase me.”
Watson’s agent, David Mulugheta, also responded with a strong message in the comments section, writing, “They hate you, then they love you, then they hate you again. That’s why you never live for the applause. Lock in 4!”
This reaction suggests that Watson and his camp are aware of the growing doubts surrounding his future in Cleveland. While Watson remains under contract through the 2026 season, the Browns have made moves that indicate they are preparing for a transition at quarterback.
Browns Reshape Quarterback Room
With Watson’s future uncertain, the Browns recently traded for former Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett. While Pickett struggled in Pittsburgh, Cleveland sees him as a potential bridge option. The team has also been linked to veteran Kirk Cousins and is reportedly considering drafting a quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Despite Haslam’s public acknowledgment of the Watson trade as a failure, the Browns remain financially committed to him. His $36.9 million cap hit for 2025 limits the team’s flexibility, though an insurance policy could allow Cleveland to move on from the deal by 2026.
A Difficult Road Ahead
Watson has played just 19 games in three seasons with Cleveland due to suspensions and injuries. His performance has also been underwhelming, with a 23.4 adjusted QBR that ranked last among qualified quarterbacks before his most recent injury. The Browns’ decision to trade for him has hampered their ability to build a competitive roster.
With Watson’s future in Cleveland looking increasingly uncertain, the situation between him and the franchise could continue to deteriorate. If the Browns find a way to move on, the separation may come as soon as the 2026 offseason.