Jimmy Haslam, co-owner of the Cleveland Browns, has publicly acknowledged that trading for quarterback Deshaun Watson was a significant misstep. Acquired in March 2022 from the Houston Texans for a package including three first-round picks, Watson's $230 million fully guaranteed contract now looms large as he has only started 19 games due to injuries and a lengthy suspension. With one of the lowest Total QBRs in the league, Watson has faced mounting injury problems, including two season-ending injuries in consecutive years. Haslam held himself and the organization accountable, expressing disappointment in the decision to trade for a player whose off-field issues and on-field performance have created a challenging situation for the franchise.

Despite the disappointment with Watson, Haslam indicated that the Browns would not be pressured to select a quarterback with their second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, suggesting a more patient approach to building the team. Currently, Watson’s injury status is uncertain, and the Browns’ quarterback depth now includes Kenny Pickett, whom they acquired in a recent trade.