Story perspectives

Browns Owner Labels Watson Trade ‘Swing-and-Miss,’ QB Fight Looms

7/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who earns $46 million and ranks ninth among QBs, entered camp without a guaranteed starting role.
Owner Jimmy Haslam called the 2022 Watson trade a ‘big swing and miss’ that cost draft picks and said decision was organization-wide, holding himself and his wife accountable.
Watson missed 32 games over three seasons due to suspension and injuries, is competing with Shedeur Sanders, and was inconsistent during OTAs.

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Story summary

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who earns $46 million and ranks ninth among QBs, entered camp without a guaranteed starting role.
Owner Jimmy Haslam called the 2022 Watson trade a ‘big swing and miss’ that cost draft picks and said decision was organization-wide, holding himself and his wife accountable.
Watson missed 32 games over three seasons due to suspension and injuries, is competing with Shedeur Sanders, and was inconsistent during OTAs.