The Cleveland Browns' quarterback Deshaun Watson was signed with big expectations. However, it's regarded as one of the biggest busts in the team's history.

With Cleveland's quarterback position still not fixed for the upcoming season, the team owner Jimmy Haslam has come up with an interesting take on the veteran.

Haslam spoke to journalists during the NFL league meetings, while he confirmed his support for Deshaun Watson, but some people doubted his authentic optimism.

ESPN host Dan Graziano was not going to let Haslam's endorsement slip through without a reality check,

"You know what I know. I said it was a mistake. I don't feel that way anymore. It's wide open. He's got a second chance. You only say that if you aren't confident in the guys, the other guys in the run."

Haslam praised Watson because the quarterback has proven to deserve it, but he showed appreciation to Watson because the Cleveland Browns face uncertainty about their 2026 starting quarterback.

The data demonstrates Watson has appeared in only 19 games since the Browns traded three first-round picks to acquire him and signed him to a fully guaranteed contract worth $230 million in 2022.

He has experienced two consecutive season-ending injuries, which have destroyed four years of his peak playing period. In 19 games, Watson scored 19 touchdowns for 3,365 passing yards.

Haslam described the trade as a major failure after Watson suffered his first Achilles tear, yet his current optimism makes it difficult to assess his actual beliefs.

Browns Keep Watson Door Open But Sanders Leads QB Race

The Browns acquired Watson from Houston in 2022 when they paid him a total of $230 million in guaranteed money, and they gave three first-round draft picks to Houston.

The results of this transaction have brought the team severe suffering.

The player has been inactive since Week 7 of the 2024 season and exhibits unstable performance and sustained two Achilles tendon ruptures.

Watson has been medically cleared and has begun attending voluntary workouts. These workouts will all be conducted with the new head coach, Todd Monken.

"You couldn't ask for a better start for the quarterbacks on Monday. I was fired up," Monken said.

The 24-year-old took over mid-season after Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion, but struggled badly because he completed only 56.5% of his passes while throwing 10 interceptions and 7 touchdowns, and his passer rating was 68.1.

Watson will end his football career with the Browns after the 2026 season unless he can create a real comeback. 

Haslam is leaving the door open, but the Browns need to start over, so Sanders should take charge instead of continuing with their expensive quarterback.

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Written by

Abhay Bharti

Edited by

Kalp Thaker