Four years ago, the Cleveland Browns "won" the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes by agreeing to a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract with the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback. But before they could get him to sign on the dotted line, the Browns had to send three first-round picks, a third-round pick, and two fourth-round picks.
Those draft picks join DT Jordan Davis, RB Jahmir Gibbs, WR Brian Thomas, WR Jalin Hyatt, RB Damien Pierce and TE Cade Stover. It has been considered the worst trade in NFL history, which is tragic for the Browns franchise, who were already quite desperate to make such a bold move for someone they thought would be their franchise quarterback for years to come.
Still, Watson has been nothing. He has yet to start more than seven games in a season with the Browns, and has started only 19 games in three seasons in Cleveland. He has completed only 61.2% of his passes for 3,365 passing yards, 19 TDs, 12 interceptions, while leading the Browns to a 9-10 record in the process.
Now 30, Watson is in the final year of his contract, but has a cap hit of $80.7 million. Given how poorly he has played as a member of the Browns, while also considering his tremendous cap hit, some have wondered if the new coaching staff would have no interest in keeping Watson as part of the new-look QB room.
Still, according to first-year head coach Todd Monken, it couldn't be further from the case. Rather, he seems excited for the opportunity to work with Watson, and possibly even help the QB regain his signature look from his days in a Texans uniform.
"I think whenever you have a player who has demonstrated skill at an elite level over a period of time, I think you always give them the benefit of the doubt that somehow we might be able to pull him out again. And I think you should look at every player that way. I'll let it play out.
I think that would be completely unfair, as in any classroom setting – whether it's a history exam – and all the students come in, and before they actually take the test, you give them a grade. Well, how do you grade them? Male, female, based on race, what do they look like, how are they dressed? I think this is unfair.
I know I'm excited to work with him. I am excited to work with all of our players on the roster. That's what you're paid to do as a coach."
Todd Monken is Deshaun Watson
If there's any glimmer of hope that the Browns can still get some positive production from Watson, it's up to Monken to figure it out. If not, Watson will be a free agent at the end of the 2026 season, and then the Browns can finally move on from their biggest mistake ever. Or, maybe Watson proves everyone wrong and returns to Houston as an MVP candidate.
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