Deshaun Watson Trade Disaster Haunts the Browns
The Cleveland Browns find themselves grappling with the fallout of a decision that has reshaped their franchise and left them with a lingering sense of regret. Three and a half years after executing a blockbuster trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson, the consequences continue to reverberate through the organization. This trade, often cited as one of the most ill-advised in NFL history, has hindered the Browns’ ability to secure a reliable quarterback, a position critical to any team’s success.
Impact of Lost Draft Capital
The Browns’ aggressive pursuit of Watson came at a steep price. In acquiring the controversial quarterback, they surrendered a staggering amount of draft capital: three first-round picks (2022, 2023, 2024), a third-round pick (2023), and two fourth-round selections (2022, 2024). This trade not only deprived the team of immediate talent but also forced them to overlook key prospects during critical drafts.
In the 2022 Draft, while the quarterback class was underwhelming, the Browns missed out on potential stars like safety Kyle Hamilton and offensive linemen Tyler Smith and Tyler Linderbaum. Ironically, their backup quarterback, Bailey Zappe, was selected in the fourth round by the Patriots, a choice Cleveland could have easily made had they not been fixated on Watson.
The trend continued in 2023, where the Browns’ original 12th overall pick turned into star running back Jahmyr Gibbs for Detroit. They also bypassed standout wide receivers Jaxson Smith-Njigba and Zay Flowers. Instead, they opted for Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the fifth round. The loss of their original 2024 pick (23rd overall) further compounded the situation, as it was used by Jacksonville to select Pro Bowl wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. The cumulative effect of these decisions has left the Browns with significant holes on their roster that could have been filled with high-impact players.
Financial Burden of Watson’s Contract
The financial implications of the Watson trade are equally troubling. Upon his arrival, the Browns secured him with a historic $230 million fully guaranteed contract—the largest in NFL history. This monumental commitment has not only tied the team’s hands in terms of salary cap flexibility but has also restricted their ability to explore other quarterback options in free agency.
In the wake of Watson’s arrival, potential alternatives like Lamar Jackson in 2023 or Sam Darnold this past offseason were sidelined due to the financial commitments tied to Watson. The burden of this contract continues to loom over the franchise, complicating their efforts to improve the team.
The Loss of Baker Mayfield
Trading for Watson also meant parting ways with Baker Mayfield, the only quarterback drafted by the Browns since 1999 to approach a .500 winning percentage. With a record of 29-30, Mayfield’s tenure was marked by both highs and lows. Yet, his performance in Tampa Bay has showcased his potential to thrive, starkly contrasting the struggles of Cleveland’s current quarterback situation. The Browns have cycled through 41 quarterbacks since 1999, with only Mayfield and Tim Couch achieving more than 10 wins—highlighting the significant risk involved in letting him go.
Misguided Optimism in Watson’s Potential
Perhaps the most poignant aspect of the Watson saga is the misguided hope that he could reclaim his status as a top-tier NFL quarterback. After enduring a series of suspensions and rehabilitation for nearly five years, the question remains: can Watson still perform at an elite level? Owner Jimmy Haslam has openly acknowledged the team’s miscalculations, stating, “We took a big swing-and-miss with Deshaun. We thought we had the quarterback; we didn’t.” This admission underscores the uncertainty surrounding Watson’s future and the team’s direction.
As the Browns attempt to navigate through the chaos, they find themselves relying on a mix of unproven talents, including third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel, fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders, and the career backup Zappe. With looming cap issues related to Watson’s contract, the team faces an uphill battle to rectify what has become a cautionary tale in NFL history.
The repercussions of the Deshaun Watson trade continue to cast a long shadow over the Cleveland Browns, as they grapple with the consequences of one of the most controversial decisions in recent memory.
