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Haslam Calls Watson Trade “Swing and Miss” Amid Booing

8/23/2026

49 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Haslam Calls Mistake

Owner Jimmy Haslam called the Watson trade a “swing and miss,” admitting a costly error.
Watson’s 2026 contract guarantees $46 million, and cutting him would trigger a massive dead-cap charge.
Coach Todd Monken and analysts say making Watson third-string or inactive is the only realistic roster move.
If Watson stays inactive, his $46 million salary still counts against the cap, limiting other signings.

Summary

Watson Booed

Browns fans booed quarterback Deshaun Watson during a 31-7 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Watson completed 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and threw an interception.
Watson said the boos were disrespectful and personal, recalling fans cheered his October 2024 Achilles tear.
Cleveland traded three first-round, a second, third and fourth-round pick for Watson and gave him a $230 million guaranteed contract.

History

Historical Context

In July 2020 the Chiefs signed quarterback Patrick Mahomes to a ten-year, $503 million extension, the largest contract in North American sports and more than triple the previous record. The deal came as the Chiefs, under head coach Andy Reid, captured four AFC West titles since 2017 and three Super Bowls, creating a precedent that forces teams like Cleveland to consider similarly huge quarterback contracts.

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Haslam Calls Mistake

Owner Jimmy Haslam called the Watson trade a “swing and miss,” admitting a costly error.
Watson’s 2026 contract guarantees $46 million, and cutting him would trigger a massive dead-cap charge.
Coach Todd Monken and analysts say making Watson third-string or inactive is the only realistic roster move.
If Watson stays inactive, his $46 million salary still counts against the cap, limiting other signings.

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