Browns Owner Admits Deshaun Watson Trade Was a 'Big Swing and Miss'

The Cleveland Browns have officially acknowledged their acquisition of Deshaun Watson as a "big swing and a miss," marking a stark departure from their previous unwavering support of the quarterback.

Team owner Jimmy Haslam made this declaration at the recent NFL owners meetings, stating, "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." He further emphasized accountability, saying, "It was an entire organization decision, and it ends with Dee and I, so hold us accountable."

The Costly Acquisition

In 2022, the Browns infamously traded three first-round draft picks to acquire Watson from the Houston Texans despite numerous civil lawsuits alleging serial sexual misconduct against him. The team then proceeded to reward him with a record $230 million fully guaranteed contract, the largest in NFL history at the time.

A Disappointing Performance

Despite the hefty investment, Watson's tenure with the Browns has been plagued by inconsistencies and injuries. He missed 11 games in his debut season due to suspension and an additional 21 games from 2023-2024 due to multiple injuries. When on the field, Watson struggled, completing only 61% of his passes with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in a combined 9-10 record as the starter.

Looking Ahead

Acknowledging the need for change at the quarterback position, the Browns acquired Kenny Pickett via trade from the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason. Coach Kevin Stefanski expressed confidence in Pickett's potential as a starter, while Haslam hinted at the possibility of pursuing a top quarterback prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, where the Browns hold the No. 2 overall pick.

However, releasing Watson before the 2025 season would result in a significant salary cap penalty for the Browns. They remain obligated to pay him tens of millions even if they choose not to utilize his services.

The Long-Term Impact

The Browns' decision to label the Watson acquisition as a "big swing and a miss" reflects a willingness to acknowledge past mistakes and move forward. It signifies a shift in their approach, emphasizing accountability and a commitment to rebuilding the team with a more sustainable plan at the quarterback position.