Deshaun Watson’s 2022 offseason deal with the Browns was one filled with drama.

While Watson finally settled upon a blockbuster $230 million contract with the Browns, it was not where he was supposed to go.

Former Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry and former running back Leonard Fournette said that Watson initially wanted them to join him at the Atlanta Falcons. Watson, however, left them hanging and joined the Browns instead, leaving Fournette almost in tears.

Speaking on the 4^th and South podcast, Landry said he got a call from Watson and received frequent messages soon after convincing him of joining the Falcons with the then-head coach Arthur Smith.

Landry further added, “I’m on the phone at this point for the next three or four days, every day with Arthur Smith, and he’s telling me how he’s gonna be using me. And my agent’s in on it too. I’m about ready to book a flight. We even planned where we were gonna have dinner.”

Forunette also took part in these discussions and was convinced of Watson’s move to the Falcons. “It is me, Mr. Jarvis Landry and Deshaun Watson on the phone,” Fournette said. “Deshaun is like, ‘You know, I’m thinking of going to Atlanta.’ That’s perfect.”

He said they were waiting for a final confirmation of the news of Watson’s transfer. That, however, did not transpire with Watson joining the Browns.

Landry and Fournette were taken aback in shock, with Fournette saying, “My man left us high and dry, I wanted to cry.” Fournette said he called Watson immediately, saying, “I called ASAP. I said, ‘What the [expletive]?’ I said, ‘Hold on, wasn’t he supposed to let us know?’”

He later revealed that Watson reached out via text message and apologized for the way things panned out.

Cleveland Browns still reeling from blockbuster Watson contract

Deshaun Watson joined the Browns on a 4-year, $230 million contract in 2022. The franchise had high hopes for the quarterback, as this was the largest guaranteed NFL deal at that time.

Watson, however, has played only 19 games across three seasons with Achilles injuries in succession derailing his impact at the Browns. He missed the entirety of the 2025 season, with Shedeur Sanders playing 7 games after Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel.

With Watson now entering his final year at the Browns, the quarterback position is still up for grabs. He will have to compete with Shedeur Sanders and rookie Dillon Gabriel.

New head coach Todd Monken has openly stated that there is a healthy competition for the starting berth. It remains to be seen if Watson can regain the starting quarterback position.

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Written by

Shyam Hari

Edited by

Kalp Thaker