Cleveland Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam has publicly expressed regret over the team's decision to trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson and sign him to a lucrative contract extension. Speaking to reporters this week, Haslam acknowledged that the move, intended to elevate the Browns to Super Bowl contention, has so far been a disappointment.
"In hindsight, it's fair to say it was a big swing and miss," Haslam stated. "We believed Deshaun could be the player to lead us to the promised land, but things haven't worked out as planned." The Browns traded multiple first-round draft picks to acquire Watson and then signed him to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, despite ongoing legal issues at the time.
Watson's tenure with the Browns has been plagued by injuries and inconsistent performance. He has struggled to recapture the form he showed earlier in his career. The Browns' on-field struggles have compounded the situation, leading to increased criticism of the trade and Haslam's leadership. The team is now facing difficult decisions about the future of the quarterback position and the overall direction of the franchise. While Haslam did not explicitly say the team would move on from Watson, his comments suggest a reevaluation of the team's strategy.
Browns Owner Regrets Deshaun Watson Trade Amid Team Struggles
Cleveland Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam admitted the trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson and his subsequent contract extension might have been a mistake. Haslam's comments come as the Browns face ongoing challenges and struggle to meet expectations. The team had hoped Watson would be the franchise quarterback to lead them to success. However, his performance and availability have fallen short, leading to increased scrutiny and questions about the trade's long-term impact.