Browns Owner Cautiously Optimistic About Deshaun Watson's Future

Cleveland's Jimmy Haslam has changed his tune on the embattled quarterback after previously calling the trade a 'big swing and miss'.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:53pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, conceptually representing the complex and unresolved nature of the Browns' quarterback situation.A cubist interpretation of the Browns' ongoing quarterback dilemma, with Deshaun Watson's future in Cleveland remaining uncertain.Berea Today

Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has shifted his stance on quarterback Deshaun Watson, saying he is 'cautiously optimistic' about Watson's future with the team. This marks a change from Haslam's previous comments in 2025 when he admitted the team made a 'big swing and miss' in trading for Watson. Despite Watson's ongoing legal issues and inconsistent play since joining the Browns, Haslam appears willing to give him another chance, though the quarterback will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Haslam's comments suggest the Browns may be willing to stick with Watson despite his off-field issues and underwhelming on-field performance so far. This could have major implications for the team's quarterback situation and roster construction going forward, as they may invest further in Watson rather than exploring other options.

The details

In 2025, Haslam openly criticized the team's decision to trade for Watson, saying they 'took a big swing and miss' in acquiring the former Texans star. However, at the 2026 NFL owners' meetings, Haslam struck a more optimistic tone, stating that Watson 'certainly had the ability at one point, and we're cautiously optimistic' about his future. This shift in stance suggests Haslam may be willing to give Watson another chance to prove himself, even as the quarterback faces ongoing legal troubles and has struggled to find consistency on the field since joining the Browns.

  • In 2025, Haslam criticized the Watson trade.
  • At the 2026 NFL owners' meetings, Haslam expressed cautious optimism about Watson's future.

The players

Jimmy Haslam

The owner of the Cleveland Browns, who has taken a hands-on approach to the team's operations and personnel decisions.

Deshaun Watson

The Cleveland Browns quarterback who has faced legal issues and inconsistent play since being traded to the team in 2022.

Andrew Berry

The general manager of the Cleveland Browns, who has not ruled out adding another quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Todd Monken

The head coach of the Cleveland Browns, who will have a say in the team's quarterback situation.

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What they’re saying

“'He certainly had the ability at one point, and we're cautiously optimistic.'”

— Jimmy Haslam, Browns Owner

“'Let's address the elephant in the room. We took a big swing and miss with Deshaun. We thought we had the quarterback, we didn't and we gave up a lot of draft picks to get him. So we've got to dig ourselves out of that hole.'”

— Jimmy Haslam, Browns Owner

What’s next

The Browns will have to decide whether to re-sign Deshaun Watson or let him become an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season. Their decision could have major implications for the team's quarterback situation and roster construction going forward.

The takeaway

Jimmy Haslam's shift in stance on Deshaun Watson suggests the Browns may be willing to give the embattled quarterback another chance, despite his off-field issues and inconsistent play. This could lead to further investment in Watson rather than exploring other quarterback options, which may or may not pay off for the Browns in the long run.