During the annual league meeting last week, Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam conceded that the trade for Deshaun Watson was a failure. He called the move a “swing and miss.”
It’s hard to know what was the worst part of Watson’s acquisition for the Browns. The five-year deal worth $230 million guaranteed was a bad contract. They also sent the Houston Texans six draft picks, including three first-round picks, hampering the team’s ability to get better elsewhere.
A disappointment for the Cleveland Browns
In three seasons, Watson has appeared and started just 19 games for Cleveland as he’s battled several injuries. He’s struggled while on the field, throwing for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Cleveland made the playoffs in 2023, but that was thanks to the heroics of quarterback Joe Flacco, who won NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
Watson isn’t putting down the bat yet.
Deshaun Watson’s back is against the wall
Per a video posted on his Instagram account, Watson claimed he was locking in to make a return.
“The performance comes when your back is against the wall,” Watson said. “It comes better because you kind of really got to lock in. You don’t have anything to lose. 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. The peace that I’ve been channeling the last couple of months. I know, I’m gonna be way better than before.”
At 29, Watson is recovering from a torn Achilles he suffered in 2024. The Browns recently traded for Kenny Pickett, a former first-round pick and starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Browns have put Watson’s back against the wall this offseason. Maybe that’ll motivate him to become the second Browns quarterback to win the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in three seasons.
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