In the 2022 offseason the Cleveland Browns took a big swing for a franchise quarterback, and it looks like they missed. That swing was a trade of three first round draft picks to the Houston Texans for Deshaun Watson. Watson was signed to a 5-year $230 million dollar fully guaranteed contract. The deal was controversial. But it wasn’t the guaranteed money or the draft picks that was controversial.

At the time of the trade Watson was dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct from 24 different women. These incidents allegedly happened during massage therapy sessions. Watson was never charged or indicted criminally. He did settle with all but one accuser out of court. One case is still pending litigation. At the time the Cleveland Browns thought the bad public relations and baggage was worth getting the quarterback to win them a Super Bowl. And they couldn’t have been more wrong.

In 2022 Watson was suspended by the NFL for 12 weeks after sitting out the 2021 season. He went 3-3 as the Browns starting quarterback that season. In 2023 his record was 5-1 as a starter but his season ended after a shoulder injury in Baltimore. This season he was 1-6 as starter, he never passed for more than 200 yards and the Browns offense couldn’t produce more than 300 yards of total offense, or 20 points in the first seven games. To call the 2024 Browns offense dysfunctional in the first 7 weeks of the season would be an understatement. Watson’s 2024 season ended with an Achilles Tendon tear in week 7 and possibly his tenure with the Browns given the nature of the injury.

Since Jameis Winston took over at quarterback the offensive production increased exponentially. Jerry Jeudy has become a top 5 wide receiver in the NFL. Winston has also led the Browns to two divisional wins. The Browns as a team are rallying to Winston’s energy, Browns fans didn’t see that with Watson. I have always heard that actions speak louder than words. Also, that behavior is language.

Don’t pay attention to what the leadership of the Cleveland Browns say, pay attention to what they do. And they are acting like they feel lighter on their feet. They are carrying themselves with more focus and purpose. As if a huge weight has been lifted off the organization and that weight was Deshaun Watson.