Deshaun Watson’s tenure with the Cleveland Browns has been one of the most polarizing stories in recent NFL history. From his blockbuster trade in 2022 to his ongoing recovery from a severe injury, Watson’s journey with the Browns is marked by high expectations, significant setbacks, and a shifting narrative around his role with the team.
As of May 20, 2025, the quarterback’s future remains a topic of intense debate among fans, analysts, and the Browns’ organization. This article delves into Watson’s time with the Browns, exploring his career trajectory, controversies, injuries, and the team’s evolving quarterback dynamics, while addressing the questions fans are asking online.
The High-Stakes Acquisition of Deshaun Watson
In March 2022, the Cleveland Browns made a seismic move by acquiring Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans in a trade that sent shockwaves through the NFL. The deal cost Cleveland three first-round draft picks, additional draft capital, and a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, making it one of the richest deals in league history.
The Browns viewed Watson, a former Pro Bowl quarterback with the Texans, as the cornerstone to elevate their franchise from perennial underachievers to Super Bowl contenders. However, the trade was not without controversy, as Watson faced over 20 allegations of sexual misconduct, which cast a shadow over his arrival in Cleveland.
Since joining the Browns, Watson’s journey has been tumultuous, marked by suspensions, underwhelming performances, and significant injuries. As of May 2025, Watson is sidelined with a ruptured Achilles tendon, and the Browns are navigating a crowded quarterback room with emerging talents like Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.
This article provides a comprehensive look at Watson’s time with the Browns, addressing key questions fans are searching for on platforms like YouTube and Google.
The Trade: A Bold Gamble with High Costs
The Browns’ acquisition of Watson was a bold gamble. In exchange for the quarterback, Cleveland sent the Texans three first-round picks (2022, 2023, and 2024), a third-round pick in 2023, and fourth-round picks in 2022 and 2024. Additionally, the Browns signed Watson to a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract, a move that raised eyebrows across the league due to its financial commitment and Watson’s off-field issues. At the time, Watson was seen as a top-tier quarterback, having led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards in 2020 with the Texans. His dual-threat ability and playmaking prowess made him an attractive target for a Browns team desperate for stability at the quarterback position.
Public and Fan Reaction
The trade was polarizing from the start. While some Browns fans were thrilled at the prospect of a franchise quarterback, others were dismayed by the allegations against Watson and the massive draft capital surrendered. Posts on X reflected the divided sentiment, with some users praising the Browns’ ambition and others calling the trade a potential disaster.
For instance, a 2023 post by @NFL_DovKleiman questioned whether the trade could be the “worst in NFL history,” citing the draft picks and PR hit Cleveland took. The controversy surrounding Watson’s allegations intensified scrutiny on the Browns’ decision, setting the stage for a high-pressure tenure.
Watson’s Performance with the Browns: A Mixed Bag
Watson’s debut with the Browns was delayed by an 11-game suspension in 2022, stemming from the NFL’s investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct by multiple massage therapists. The suspension, coupled with a $5 million fine and mandatory behavioral counseling, meant Watson didn’t take the field until Week 13 of the 2022 season. His limited action that year six starts, a 3-3 record, 1,102 yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions—offered little insight into his long-term fit with the team.
In 2023, Watson showed flashes of his former brilliance but struggled with consistency. He started 12 games, posting a 5-7 record with 2,217 yards, 14 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. His performance was marred by penalties, including a $35,513 fine for unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct, as noted in a 2023 X post by @NFL_DovKleiman. Fans expressed concern over his play, with one X user, @jasrifootball, highlighting a fumble returned for a touchdown and missed throws as red flags for a quarterback with such a lucrative contract.
The 2024 Season: A Devastating Injury
The 2024 season was a make-or-break year for Watson, but it ended abruptly in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Watson suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in his right leg, an injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. The Browns struggled, finishing with a 3-14 record, as Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Bailey Zappe cycled through the starting role. Watson’s stats before the injury were underwhelming: nine touchdown passes in seven games, reflecting a decline from his Houston days.
In January 2025, Watson re-tore his Achilles, necessitating a second surgery. Reports indicate he is likely to miss the entire 2025 season, though he remains optimistic about a future return. His rehabilitation progress has been encouraging, with head coach Kevin Stefanski noting that Watson is out of a walking boot and actively participating in team meetings. A recent X post by @MaryKayCabot reported that Watson has advanced his rehab, throwing to receivers Jerry Jeudy and David Bell inside the Browns’ facility.
Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Watson’s off-field controversies have been a significant part of his narrative with the Browns. Over 20 women accused him of sexual misconduct during massage sessions while he was with the Texans, leading to civil lawsuits and the aforementioned NFL suspension.
While Watson settled most of the lawsuits and denied wrongdoing, the allegations have continued to impact his public image. In May 2025, comparisons resurfaced when Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker faced similar allegations, with fans on X drawing parallels to Watson’s case and questioning the Browns’ decision to retain him.
Recent Personal Milestones
Amid the professional challenges, Watson announced a major personal milestone in May 2025: his wedding. The announcement, shared via Instagram, was seen by some as a sign of stability and a shift toward family life. However, it also sparked speculation about his focus, with some fans questioning whether his attention remains on football given his injury and the Browns’ shifting quarterback landscape.
Additionally, Watson made headlines for a controversial decision to get a full-back tattoo under anesthesia, featuring elements like his fiancée, an empty Super Bowl ring, and Kaws dolls. The move drew criticism, with some calling it ill-timed given his uncertain future with the team.
The Rise of Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel
With Watson sidelined, the Browns have revamped their quarterback room, creating a competitive environment. In the 2025 NFL Draft, Cleveland selected Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round and Dillon Gabriel, adding two promising rookies to a group that includes veterans Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco.
Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, has generated significant buzz for his charisma and potential, though his draft slide raised questions about his perceived value. An X post by @Light_2610 speculated that Sanders’ fall might reflect concerns about his readiness, contrasting it with the enthusiasm surrounding Watson’s trade despite his controversies.
At rookie minicamp, both Sanders and Gabriel impressed, with Browns insider Tony Grossi noting that Gabriel “looked a little bit better” during workouts. However, Sanders’ presence has fueled speculation that the Browns are preparing to move on from Watson. Reports suggest the team sees Sanders as a potential face of the franchise, with some sources claiming Watson feels “threatened” by the rookie’s rise. Watson responded with a motivational Instagram video captioned “Respect your journey! 4OVE,” interpreted by some as a subtle jab at the younger quarterbacks.
Kenny Pickett: The Frontrunner?
As of May 2025, Kenny Pickett appears to be the favorite to start for the Browns in the upcoming season. His experience as a two-year starter in Pittsburgh, where he compiled a 14-10 record, gives him an edge over the rookies and the injured Watson.
The Browns’ offense, which struggled to score 20 points in recent games, needs stability, and Pickett’s college pedigree (7,360 yards and 39 touchdowns at Pitt) positions him as a reliable option. Joe Flacco, a veteran presence, is likely to serve as a bridge quarterback, while Gabriel and Sanders compete for future opportunities.
Watson’s Uncertain Role
Watson’s $230 million contract, which runs through 2026, complicates the Browns’ plans. The team has restructured his deal to ease salary cap constraints, signaling a potential willingness to move on if his recovery stalls. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has publicly called the Watson trade a “swing and miss,” a rare admission of failure from the organization. With Watson unlikely to play in 2025, the Browns are focusing on their younger quarterbacks, leaving Watson’s long-term role in question.
A Return to Basics
The Browns’ offensive strategy is undergoing a transformation, moving away from the spread-and-speed concepts associated with Watson’s tenure. According to Dawg Pound Daily, the team is reverting to a run-heavy, tight end-focused approach that aligns with head coach Kevin Stefanski’s original vision.
Cleveland drafted tight end Harold Fannin Jr. in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft to complement David Njoku, signaling a shift toward a more physical offense. Jerry Jeudy remains the primary receiving option, but the lack of a significant wide receiver addition suggests the Browns are prioritizing balance over flash.
Implications for Watson
This philosophical shift could further marginalize Watson, whose dual-threat style thrived in a spread offense. If the Browns commit to a ground-and-pound approach, Watson’s skill set may no longer align with the team’s direction, even if he returns to full health. The emergence of Sanders and Gabriel, both of whom are adapting to Stefanski’s system, adds pressure on Watson to prove his worth.
FAQs
What is Deshaun Watson’s injury status?
Watson is recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon sustained in Week 7 of the 2024 season, with a second surgery in January 2025 after re-tearing the tendon. He is expected to miss most or all of the 2025 season but is making progress, recently throwing to receivers in the Browns’ facility.
Will Watson play for the Browns again?
Given his contract and rehab efforts, Watson hopes to return, but his role is uncertain. The Browns’ investment in Sanders, Gabriel, and Pickett suggests they are preparing for a future without him. Haslam’s “swing and miss” comment and the contract restructuring further cloud his prospects.
How has Watson performed with the Browns?
Watson’s performance has been disappointing, with a 9-10 record over 19 starts, 3,319 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions in three seasons. His 2024 season ended early due to injury, and his overall impact has not matched his $230 million contract.
What are the allegations against Watson?
Watson faced over 20 allegations of sexual misconduct, leading to a 2022 suspension and ongoing public scrutiny. While he settled most lawsuits, the controversy continues to affect his reputation, as seen in comparisons to recent NFL cases like Justin Tucker’s.
Who will start at quarterback for the Browns in 2025?
Kenny Pickett is the current favorite to start, with Joe Flacco as a potential bridge and Sanders and Gabriel competing for future roles. Watson is unlikely to play due to his injury.
In Summary
Deshaun Watson’s tenure with the Cleveland Browns has been marked by high expectations, major financial commitment, and persistent injury setbacks. Despite being one of the NFL’s most high-profile quarterbacks when acquired, Watson has struggled to stay healthy, appearing in only a fraction of possible games since 2022. His fully guaranteed $230 million contract remains a controversial and unprecedented move in league history.
As of 2025, the Browns face ongoing uncertainty at the quarterback position. With Watson sidelined for the season due to another Achilles injury, the team is turning to Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, and a pair of young prospects to lead the offense. Although Watson continues his rehab and has expressed determination to return, questions remain about his future viability as an NFL starter.
To read more, Click Here .
