Well, things haven’t exactly gone as planned for Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns since that ambitious trade back in 2022. The Browns sent a king’s ransom to Houston—three first-round picks, a third-rounder, and two fourths—hoping Watson would be the missing piece to their quarterback puzzle. At the time, Watson was a three-time Pro Bowler, known for his ability to turn the tide of a game with a flick of his wrist.
However, post-trade life for Watson has been overshadowed by a host of legal troubles, injuries, and performances that didn’t exactly inspire confidence. In his Texans days, he notched a 28-25 record with a solid 104.5 quarterback rating. But that narrative took a nosedive in Cleveland. Even with the largest contract guarantee in NFL history at $230 million, Watson has struggled on the gridiron, managing a 9-10 record and an 80.7 quarterback rating. The 2024 season was a wash, as he succumbed to a torn Achilles tendon, only to aggravate it further in a recent setback.
The challenges off the field appear just as daunting. Some Browns fans have taken their frustration to unsettling extremes, reportedly sending death threats Watson’s way. As detailed by Jason Lloyd of The Athletic, “For three years, the Browns contorted themselves to match Watson’s strengths and desires. But teammates ultimately grew tire of the organization catering to an ineffective quarterback, and he never really fit in Cleveland. He received at least one death threat.” These threats only added to the weight of personal stress Watson faced throughout the year.
The offseason brings a cloud of uncertainty for the Browns, who are left with Deshaun Watson and backup quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson on the roster. Despite the talent on paper, it seems probable the Browns will shift strategies and look to overhaul their quarterback lineup ahead of the next season. With the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Cleveland is positioned to make a serious move to recalibrate their future under center. How they use this pick could define their trajectory for years to come.