Why Has the Browns’ Narrative on Deshaun Watson Shifted?

Todd Monken’s Role

The first theory for why the Browns’ tone has shifted around Deshaun Watson centers on one of the team’s biggest headlines this offseason: the hiring of head coach Todd Monken.

Monken was formerly the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator and is considered an offensive genius, able to adapt to his players rather than make them fit the scheme he wants to run. This ability to adapt to the player may be where Haslam’s confidence comes from— he thinks Monken can adapt and fix the $230 million investment in Watson.

Alternatively, Monken could have sold Haslam this dream during his interviews, promising to fix Watson and ultimately make the trade a “home run.”

Draft Intentions

Another theory as to why the Browns are suddenly so high on Watson is to smoke-screen their true intentions— drafting a quarterback, again.

While many believe that there are no names that make sense for the Browns at pick No. 6, maybe the Browns are trying to downplay their interest in adding a name like Ty Simpson so that he falls to them at pick No. 24 or even to the second round at pick No. 39.

After all, Monken does have a connection to Ty Simpson and his family, and Simpson himself has even courted the Browns in interviews.

Trade Market

No, the Browns are not and cannot trade Deshaun Watson, as much as fans would enjoy that.

They could, however, use Watson to keep the trade market honest. Speaking highly of Watson in the media signals to other NFL teams that they are content with their quarterback room. By doing this, teams can’t attempt to make the Browns overpay for a player. Maybe a name like Anthony Richardson or J.J. McCarthy has been on the Browns’ radar this offseason, but because the perception is they need a quarterback, the Colts and Vikings are asking an outrageous price to acquire either former first-round talent, even though many believe a day three pick will get the deal done.

The Reality

The Browns flipping the narrative on Deshaun Watson is confusing in a way that it doesn’t make much sense. The most likely scenario is that the Browns truly see Watson competing with Shedeur Sanders for the starting job. However, this is also a franchise that has planned something completely different from what they’ve said to the media before.

Just last year, during the 2025 NFL draft, media members and fans were sure the Browns were drafting Travis Hunter due to the high praise Andrew Berry gave Hunter in the media. Draft day came around, and the Browns traded back in the draft with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who ended up taking Hunter.

Could the Browns be doing something similar this year with Deshaun Watson to achieve an ultimate goal? Many hope so, as the logic to play him again makes little to no sense. Watson has had a throwing shoulder injury and a twice-torn Achilles tendon since the last time we have even seen flashes from him.

To think you’ll get anything more than sub-par play out of Watson is unrealistic, and that is putting it lightly.