Fan discussion: Should the Browns consider starting Deshaun Watson this season?
Given Jimmy Haslam’s recent comments, the Cleveland Browns may be considering starting Watson at quarterback again.
During the 2026 annual NFL meetings, Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam took time to speak with the media. He was asked about Deshaun Watson and whether he expects him to start for the team this season. Haslam went on to say, “Deshaun has a great chance, fresh start, offensive-minded coach, who has in his past been able to work with all kinds of different quarterbacks and make them successful.
” This stands in sharp contrast to Haslam’s remarks in April 2025, when he acknowledged that the trade for Watson was a major misstep and a significant mistake by the organization . At the time, it seemed as if the organization had no plans to play Watson at any point in the future. It looks like those plans may have changed.
It would be a challenging sell to the fans who have felt the ramifications of the Watson trade over the last few seasons. In many ways, it seems best for this team to cut its losses and move forward with the young quarterbacks on the roster. They may feel some obligation to start him, given the financial investment, but it would be extremely difficult to justify if he struggles again.
The team should look to the future rather than trying to clean up the mistakes of the past. Let me know what you think in the comments – Should the Browns consider starting Deshaun Watson this season?