Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam didn’t hold back when addressing the team’s past decisions, particularly the blockbuster trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson.
In a candid moment with reporters, Haslam admitted that the deal – arguably the most controversial in NFL history – didn’t pan out as the organization had hoped.
“Let’s address the elephant in the room,” Haslam said. “We took a big swing and miss with Deshaun. 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 marked a significant shift for the franchise, as it prepares to move on from Watson in 2025.
The Browns’ decision to trade for the former Houston Texans quarterback and sign him to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract had been heavily scrutinized from the start.
Injuries, legal troubles, and inconsistent performances have defined Watson’s tenure in Cleveland, where he has posted a 9-10 record as a starter.
Watson, who is currently rehabbing from a season-ending Achilles injury, didn’t stay silent after Haslam’s comments made waves.
While working out at the gym, Watson took to social media, posting pictures of his recovery progress along with a cryptic message.
“Maybe, if I weren’t built for this, I’d let it phase me,” Watson wrote in his caption, a remark widely interpreted as a response to Haslam’s statement.
Watson’s post quickly gained traction, drawing reactions from players and analysts across the league.
Some saw it as a sign of defiance, while others viewed it as a motivational message from a player looking to prove his critics wrong.
Regardless, the Browns have made their decision.
With Watson sidelined for the 2025 season, Cleveland is expected to start either newly acquired quarterback Kenny Pickett or a rookie selected in the upcoming NFL Draft. (Or perhaps Kirk Cousins if they end up trading for him.)
For now, the Browns are charting a new course – one that no longer revolves around Watson.
It’s no secret that Watson isn’t going to garner much sympathy from many people. However, he does seem dead-set on returning to the field and proving that he still has good football left in the tank.
What are your thoughts on Watson’s response to Haslam comments???
