Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has publicly backed head coach Kevin Stefanski amid growing calls for the coach’s job security. However, Haslam also took a pointed stance regarding quarterback Deshaun Watson, making clear his views on how the Watson trade has impacted the franchise.
In an interview with Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Haslam described the Watson trade as a “swing and miss” this offseason and acknowledged it as a “tough break” for the team. “Kevin’s done a really good job with us, and we’ve had some tough breaks,” Haslam said, referencing the trade specifically. “A big trade we made didn’t work out, and you know, we’re all suffering from that. Kevin, I thought, really did a great job of rallying the troops last week at a really critical time. You find out about leaders when things are bad, not when they’re good, and he did a good job last week.”
The Browns made a blockbuster move in 2022 by acquiring Deshaun Watson, hoping to finally secure a long-sought franchise quarterback. The deal cost Cleveland three first-round picks plus additional assets. Watson was then signed to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract — at the time, the largest of its kind in NFL history.
Browns QB Deshaun Watson Eager to Return
Since arriving in Cleveland, Watson has faced a challenging road, dealing with a lengthy suspension and multiple injuries. He is currently rehabbing a twice-ruptured Achilles tendon, an injury that has sidelined him for more than a year. When he has been on the field, Watson has struggled to regain his Pro Bowl form from his Houston Texans days, posting a 9-10 record as a starter with 3,365 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Watson’s cap hit looms large, with nearly $36 million this season and an anticipated jump to roughly $80 million next year. If the Browns decide to move on from the embattled quarterback, they would face a record-setting dead cap charge.
Despite the hardships in Cleveland and ongoing recovery, Watson has expressed determination to return stronger and silence his critics. In a social media video, he stated, “Everyone is doubting me, everyone don’t believe in me. Everyone don’t think I can get back to where I was. But I know, and I believe the work that I put in, that I believe in myself. I know, I’m gonna be way better than before.”
Deshaun Watson Remains a Presence for Browns
Watson has maintained a presence around the Browns’ facility as he works towards full health. Browns quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave praised Watson for being a valuable resource to rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel. “I like when those two birds converse, I like when they’re talking over there,” Musgrave said. “And I try to take myself out of the equation — I don’t need to be there hovering all over them. They spoke a lot during the game, in fact, the other day against Miami on the sideline with Deshaun being there.”
Musgrave noted that while Watson hasn’t been traveling with the team, except for a recent trip to Charlotte to get his Achilles checked, his presence on the sideline is missed on the road. “It’s great to have his presence on the sideline for our young group,” Musgrave added.
Beyond the visible support, Watson continues working diligently behind the scenes to prepare for his eventual return. “He’s working hard,” Musgrave said. “I see him in the weight room all the time doing box jumps and doing all the exercises, things that they put them through before his Achilles, and then he’s out throwing some passes. I know at times when we’re meeting or when we’re doing other stuff during the afternoon, he seems like he’s working like crazy.”
Watson is expected to undergo further medical evaluation following the Browns’ bye week. At that point, both he and the team will decide whether he is ready to return to practice. Currently, Watson remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Once activated to practice, the Browns will have 21 days to add him to the active roster.
If Watson is activated, it remains uncertain where he will fit on the depth chart alongside quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Based on Haslam’s recent comments, it appears the team views Watson more as a part of their past rather than their future.
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