Since joining the Cleveland Browns in the spring of 2022, quarterback Deshaun Watson has been underwhelming. Heading into his fifth season with the franchise, however, team owner Jimmy Haslam believes Watson can finally turn the tide.
Jimmy Haslam Is Cautiously Optimistic About Deshaun Watson
A year ago, fans, analysts, and even Haslam deemed the Watson trade an extreme failure. Haslam went as far as to tell reporters the move was a “big swing and miss.” However, 365 days later, he has begun to backtrack on those comments.
On Monday afternoon, during the NFL’s annual league meeting, ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi revealed that Haslam said Watson has a “great chance” and a “fresh start” this season under first-year head coach Todd Monken. Oyefusi added that Haslam recently spoke with Watson, who said he weighs the least he has in several years and is in “great shape.” He is expected to be in the Browns for the start of the offseason workout program on April 7.
Haslam was also reported as saying, regarding Watson, “He certainly had the ability at one point, and we’re cautiously optimistic,” according to Oyefusi. Later, NFL insider Ari Meirov shared further quotes from Haslam reinforcing his faith in Watson: “It’s not for lack of effort, OK? I mean, I don’t think anybody in our organization would question his effort, his toughness, everything he’s put into the job.”
“The reality is he’s had major injuries,” Haslam continued. “His shoulder, tore his Achilles twice. So he’s been really ravaged by injuries, and that, along with the 11-game suspension, has kept him from playing. Deshaun has a great chance-a fresh start with an offensive-minded coach who has, in the past, been able to work with all kinds of different quarterbacks and make them successful. So Deshaun has a great chance to do that now.”
Watson has spent four seasons with the Browns organization, seeing action in three of them. His first appearances came in the final six games of 2022, after serving an 11-game suspension to open the season.
Across that stretch, he was serviceable but not at his previous level. He averaged 183.7 passing yards per game with seven touchdowns to five interceptions. Some still gave him leeway since he missed the 2021 season while away from the Houston Texans.
BE AN NFL GM: PFSN’s Ultimate GM Simulator
The 2023 season was similar, with Watson averaging 185.8 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions. After six starts, a season-ending shoulder injury cut his year short. The 2024 campaign was meant to be his best opportunity to date, as he entered the season fully healthy and with a strong supporting cast.
However, Watson recorded only five total touchdowns to three interceptions and posted a 51.1 QB Impact Score, according to PFSN’s metrics. In Week 7, he suffered a torn Achilles, which sidelined him for the remainder of 2024 and led him to miss the entire 2025 season after a re-rupture required a second surgery.
Now, entering 2026, it appears Watson may have yet another shot at the QB1 position. His current competition is second-year quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. While head coach Todd Monken has indicated that reps will not be divided equally to start the offseason, the Browns could still select a rookie in the draft to lead the franchise instead.
The situation is worth monitoring as the offseason progresses and the Browns decide on their quarterback for the coming season.
