Browns Owner: Watson Has 'Great Chance' to Start

Haslam says Watson gets 'fresh start' as Browns seek long-term QB solution

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:32am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in shades of brown, orange, and blue, depicting a football game or match broken down into sharp, overlapping planes, representing the complex and multi-faceted nature of the Browns' quarterback situation.A cubist interpretation of the Browns' ongoing search for a long-term starting quarterback, with Deshaun Watson's arrival providing a new opportunity for the team.Cleveland Today

Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam stated at the NFL owners' meetings that quarterback Deshaun Watson has a 'great chance' to become the team's starting quarterback, giving him a 'fresh start' as the Browns continue their multi-decade search for a long-term answer at the position.

Why it matters

The Browns have struggled to find a consistent starting quarterback for years, cycling through numerous players at the position. Watson's arrival provides the team with a talented and experienced option who could potentially stabilize the quarterback situation if he can stay healthy and productive.

The details

Haslam expressed optimism about Watson's prospects, noting that the quarterback has a 'great chance' to earn the starting job. This comes after the Browns acquired Watson in a trade from the Houston Texans last year, despite the quarterback facing numerous legal issues related to allegations of sexual misconduct.

  • The comments were made by Haslam at the NFL owners' meetings on Monday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Jimmy Haslam

The owner of the Cleveland Browns.

Deshaun Watson

The quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, who was acquired in a trade from the Houston Texans last year.

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What they’re saying

“Deshaun Watson has a fresh start and a great chance as Cleveland's multi-decade search for an answer at the game's most important position continues.”

— Jimmy Haslam, Browns Owner

The takeaway

The Browns' long-standing quarterback woes could potentially be addressed if Deshaun Watson is able to seize the starting job and provide stability at the position. However, Watson's off-field issues remain a concern, and the team will need to carefully manage the situation to ensure he can succeed on the field.