Browns Owner Jimmy Haslam Admits Deshaun Watson Trade Was a Mistake: “We Were Wrong”

Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has publicly acknowledged what many NFL analysts and fans have suspected for some time: the acquisition of quarterback Deshaun Watson was a misstep that cost the team dearly.

In a candid statement reported by ESPN, Haslam didn’t mince words: We tried a big blow with Deshaun, but we were wrong. This admission marks a notable turning point for the Browns organization, which invested heavily in Watson despite the serious allegations against him.

The Browns traded for Watson in March 2022, sending a king’s ransom to the Houston Texans: three first-round draft picks, a third-round pick, and a fourth-round pick. They then handed Watson a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract extension. this unprecedented level of financial commitment, especially given the off-field issues, immediately drew intense scrutiny.

Haslam elaborated on the team’s rationale at the time, stating, We thought we had found our quarterback. Though, this was not the case and we sacrificed a lot of choice for the draft to obtain it. So we have to get out of this bad step. The Browns’ desperation to find a franchise quarterback is understandable, given thier decades-long struggles at the position. However,the Watson trade now stands as a cautionary tale about the risks of prioritizing talent over character and due diligence.

The context surrounding the trade is crucial. At the time of the acquisition, Watson was facing accusations of sexual misconduct from twenty women related to massage therapy sessions in 2021. The Texans had benched Watson for the entire 2021 season due to these allegations. The NFL also conducted its own inquiry, ultimately suspending Watson for 11 games in 2022 and fining him $5 million. He was also required to undergo mandatory treatment.

Since joining the Browns, Watson’s performance has been underwhelming and inconsistent.In 19 games over three seasons, he has completed 61.2% of his passes for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He has also fumbled 11 times. These numbers are far below the expectations that accompanied his massive contract and the draft capital surrendered to acquire him. To put it in outlook, a quarterback like Geno Smith, acquired for far less, has arguably provided more consistent and impactful play for the seattle Seahawks.

Adding to the Browns’ woes, Watson is currently recovering from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in October. His availability for the start of the 2025 season remains uncertain. This injury further complicates the Browns’ quarterback situation and raises questions about their short-term and long-term prospects.

Despite Haslam’s blunt assessment, Watson remains under contract with the Browns through the 2026 season, thanks to a recently restructured deal. The Browns are now faced with the difficult task of trying to salvage the situation or finding a way to move on from Watson, a move that would likely incur a significant financial penalty. This situation is reminiscent of the Washington Commanders’ experience with Donovan McNabb, where a high-profile acquisition quickly turned sour, leaving the team with a hefty financial burden and a damaged reputation.

The Browns’ experience with Watson raises several critically important questions for NFL teams: How much weight should be given to off-field issues when evaluating potential acquisitions? what is the appropriate level of due diligence in such cases? And how can teams mitigate the risks associated with investing heavily in players with checkered pasts?

Further investigation is warranted into the Browns’ decision-making process leading up to the Watson trade. Examining the team’s internal discussions, risk assessments, and consultations with legal and public relations experts could provide valuable insights into the factors that contributed to this costly mistake. Additionally, a comparative analysis of other NFL teams that have faced similar situations could offer lessons learned and best practices for navigating the complexities of player acquisitions in the modern NFL.

The Deshaun Watson saga serves as a stark reminder that talent alone is not enough to guarantee success in the NFL. Character, leadership, and a commitment to upholding the league’s values are equally important. The Browns’ failure to adequately consider these factors has resulted in a significant setback for the franchise and a valuable lesson for the entire league.