Deshaun Watson's relationship with Browns fans has remained a major talking point heading into the regular season.

Watson made comments about Browns fans during his postgame press conference. He questioned the negativity after fans booed him at Huntington Bank Field.

The remarks caught the attention of former NFL quarterback Alex Smith, who offered a strong response on ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown.

"I just... I didn't understand. It's so delusional. I felt like, like how out of touch do you have to be if you're Deshaun?"

Smith destroyed Watson and questioned what he had done to earn Browns fans' support, highlighting the expectations around his arrival in Cleveland.

"Like, what have you done to give this fan base to cheer for, right? Like honestly, this is going to go down as maybe the one of the worst trades in the history of football, one of the worst contracts in the history of football. You've been completely unavailable, and when you have been on the field, it's been terrible."

Smith's assessment sets the tone for his wider criticism of Watson.

Alex Smith slams Deshaun Watson for whining despite lack of production

Alex Smith also criticized Deshaun Watson over the reception from Browns supporters.

Deshaun Watson said he has received more love from Browns fans on the road than at home, prompting a response from Smith.

"To sit and whine about it at the microphone, again, when you still have the highest guaranteed contract in the history of football, right? We're not even talking about the debacle that is the off-the-field issues."

Smith argued Watson should give Cleveland fans something to support instead of criticizing their reaction. He also pointed to Watson's massive contract.

With Watson set to lead the Browns into the regular season, Smith's conclusion was blunt: "It's so out of touch."

Written by

Sayantan