Jimmy Haslam Believes Deshaun Watson Can Still Turn Trade Into a 'Home Run' With Fresh Start

According to comments made on March 31 at the NFL’s annual league meetings, Jimmy Haslam expressed renewed optimism about Watson and his future with the Cleveland Browns. Haslam pointed to a “fresh start” under new head coach Todd Monken as a potential turning point for the veteran quarterback.

“Browns owner Jimmy Haslam believes Deshaun Watson can turn into a home run trade if he starts this year.

“Deshaun has a great chance—a fresh start with an offensive-minded coach who has, in the past, been able to work with all kinds of different quarterbacks and make them successful. So Deshaun has a great chance to do that now.”

That optimism comes after Haslam publicly labeled the trade a “big swing-and-miss” just a year ago. The shift in tone reflects both Watson’s improved health and Cleveland’s offensive reset. Monken’s arrival signals a system designed to maximize quarterback flexibility.

Since arriving in 2022, Watson has played just 19 games. Injuries, including two Achilles tears and an 11-game suspension, derailed his availability. When on the field, Watson posted a 33.1 total QBR, which ranks near the bottom among starters. That’s a steep drop for a player once viewed as elite during his time with the Houston Texans.

The commitment remains massive financially. Cleveland will pay Watson $46 million in 2026 following a restructuring of his original $80.7 million cap hit. Despite this, his fully guaranteed $230 million contract continues to dictate franchise decisions. Because of this massive financial commitment, Watson is expected to receive every chance to reclaim his role as the team’s starter.

Young quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel are expected to push for QB1 reps during camp. Browns GM Andrew Berry has already stated the job will be earned, not handed out. That creates real pressure on Watson to deliver immediately.

Cleveland does not need Watson to be perfect. It needs him to be functional, available, and closer to the version that once dominated defenses. If Monken’s system clicks and Watson stays healthy, the narrative around this deal could finally shift. Failure to do so would force Cleveland to face one of the league’s costliest historical blunders.