The Cleveland Browns have long been a franchise defined by heartbreak, instability, and disappointment, especially at the quarterback position. Over the years, they’ve cycled through dozens of signal-callers with little success to show for it. But among all the failed experiments, none come with the weight and fallout quite like Deshaun Watson.
When the Browns traded for Watson in 2022, the move was met with immediate controversy. They gave up three first-round picks and additional draft capital, then handed Watson a fully guaranteed $230 million contract — the richest in NFL history at the time. The deal was shocking not only because of the cost but because of the 20+ civil lawsuits Watson was facing at the time over allegations of sexual misconduct.
From a football standpoint, the Browns believed Watson could elevate them from a middling playoff hopeful to a Super Bowl contender. On paper, he was a franchise quarterback entering his prime, with a Pro Bowl résumé and elite-level stats from his time in Houston. The Browns gambled big, and for a desperate team, it was a massive swing intended to change the course of the franchise.
Instead, Watson has started only 12 games in two seasons, compiling a 9–8 record while battling shoulder and Achilles injuries. In 2024, he missed most of the season after tearing his Achilles — his second major injury in two years. He has shown occasional flashes of the talent that made him an MVP candidate in Houston, but they’ve been far too rare and inconsistent to justify his price tag.
More damaging than his actual on-field performance is the opportunity cost. The Browns mortgaged their future in both picks and cap space to acquire Watson. His guaranteed salary has handcuffed the front office in terms of roster flexibility, limiting their ability to retain or sign other key contributors. Simply put, the deal has become a financial anchor.
Jay Crawford’s assertion that Watson is the worst Cleveland Brown ever isn’t just hyperbole — it’s rooted in the enormous scale of the investment and the minimal return. While past Browns quarterbacks like DeShone Kizer, Brandon Weeden, or Johnny Manziel played poorly, they didn’t cripple the team’s future in the same way. Watson’s failure is different. It’s not just about bad play; it’s about how much the organization sacrificed to get so little back.
Even the Browns’ apparent actions this offseason reflect how the franchise feels. They brought in four new quarterbacks, a clear sign that they no longer see Watson as the answer. Whether he’s traded, released, or simply relegated to the bench, the organization appears to be preparing for life after Watson, even as his contract continues to loom over the team’s finances.
What stings more is that the Browns finally had a championship-caliber roster in place — strong defense, elite pass rush, solid offensive weapons — and their biggest need was supposed to be solved with Watson. Instead, they’ve been forced to rely on backups and journeymen to stay afloat. That’s a devastating reversal for a franchise that believed it was ready to contend.
Fans are understandably frustrated. Some were never on board with Watson’s acquisition due to the off-field issues, while others who tried to support the move now feel burned. The Watson era has divided the fanbase, embarrassed the organization nationally, and — most importantly — failed to deliver anything resembling success on the field.
There’s still a chance Watson returns and contributes in some way, but the writing appears to be on the wall. The Browns seem to be bracing for another reset at quarterback, a cycle they’ve repeated for over two decades. The difference this time is the immense cost and how close they appeared to be to turning the corner.
Watson may not be the worst quarterback to ever wear a Browns jersey in terms of raw performance, but in terms of impact — negative value, financial burden, and missed opportunity — no one else comes close. He might not just be the worst Browns quarterback. He might be the most damaging player in franchise history.
If the Browns can move forward and finally find stability under center, Watson will be remembered as a cautionary tale: a reminder that desperation often leads to disastrous decisions. In hindsight, the Browns’ gamble was one of the biggest in NFL history — and it blew up in their face.