The Cleveland Browns have finally made the decision that many fans, analysts, and insiders have been speculating about for months. In a stunning announcement that sent shockwaves through the NFL community, the organization has revealed its official move regarding quarterback Deshaun Watson—a decision that marks a definitive turning point in the franchise’s direction and philosophy. This isn’t just about a player. It’s about culture, legacy, trust, and the changing landscape of leadership in Cleveland. While many expected a slow fade or vague update regarding his health and readiness, the Browns have instead taken a bold step into the future by announcing a formal and dramatic move involving Watson that could reshape not only their quarterback room but also the team’s identity moving forward.
According to official statements from the Browns’ front office, Deshaun Watson will no longer be part of the team’s long-term plans. The announcement detailed that the team has chosen to restructure its offensive blueprint without Watson as the centerpiece and will explore trade opportunities, while also considering a post-June 1 release designation depending on how offseason developments unfold. This marks a shocking and swift pivot from the franchise’s previous unwavering support of Watson, who was brought in under controversial circumstances and at an enormous financial cost. The Browns mortgaged a massive portion of their future by signing Watson to a fully guaranteed \$230 million contract in 2022, the richest in NFL history at the time. It was an aggressive play, one that now seems to have backfired with long-term ramifications.
In hindsight, this move by the Browns signals that the organization is trying to restore the integrity and accountability that many believed was compromised with Watson’s arrival. At the time of his acquisition, the Browns faced intense scrutiny not only from media circles but also from their own loyal fan base. Watson had been embroiled in off-field allegations of sexual misconduct—over two dozen civil lawsuits had been filed against him. Though he was never criminally charged and settled most of the cases out of court, the cloud of controversy followed him to Cleveland. Many fans felt the Browns had sold their soul in exchange for potential on-field success, and that tension simmered even as the team tried to rally around their new quarterback.
On the field, Watson’s tenure in Cleveland has been nothing short of disappointing. After serving an 11-game suspension in 2022 and returning to a sluggish offensive rhythm, Watson looked far from the Pro Bowl-level quarterback he once was in Houston. His accuracy was inconsistent, his timing was off, and the chemistry with his receivers never fully developed. In 2023, he managed only a handful of promising moments before being sidelined again by injuries. The following year wasn’t much better, as health concerns continued to plague his ability to contribute meaningfully, leading many to question whether Watson would ever return to his elite form.
This season, the Browns were faced with a dilemma. With the emergence of younger, hungry talent and the limited availability of Watson due to ongoing rehab and rust, it became increasingly clear that the offense couldn’t afford to wait for a return that might never materialize. The coaching staff reportedly grew frustrated with the inconsistency in quarterback play and had begun to lose confidence in Watson’s long-term viability. Behind closed doors, sources say that key players and coaches felt the offense was too restricted with Watson at the helm and that other quarterbacks on the roster were capable of operating more freely within the evolving system.
Internally, team owner Jimmy Haslam and GM Andrew Berry reportedly had a series of intense, closed-door meetings in recent weeks evaluating the direction of the team. It was during those sessions that the Browns’ leadership came to a conclusion: the Deshaun Watson experiment had run its course. What began as a high-stakes gamble to catapult the team into championship contention has ended as one of the most controversial and disappointing chapters in recent team history. Rather than continue dragging out an uncertain situation, the Browns opted to rip the bandage off and begin a new era.
This decision is also about more than football. It is about Cleveland reclaiming its identity. The Browns have always been a blue-collar team—built on grit, accountability, and team-first ethics. When the team went all-in on Watson, it felt to many fans like a betrayal of those values. The franchise took a reputational hit, and while there were some who supported the move under the banner of second chances and winning above all else, many within the Dawg Pound were never comfortable with it. Now, this move to part ways with Watson may offer the franchise a chance to rebuild trust with a fractured fan base and reestablish the cultural foundation that long defined Cleveland football.
There is also a financial angle to this decision that cannot be ignored. The Browns are expected to eat a massive amount of dead cap money whether they trade or release Watson, depending on the structure and timing of the move. But the front office appears willing to endure short-term pain in exchange for long-term clarity and flexibility. With the salary cap expected to rise again in future seasons, the Browns seem poised to absorb the hit while opening the door to younger, more affordable quarterback options that can grow with the team.
One of those options is already generating serious buzz: former Oklahoma and UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who has impressed coaches with his intelligence, accuracy, and leadership since arriving in Cleveland. Though still considered a developmental player, Gabriel has reportedly turned heads in camp with his command of the playbook and his ability to make quick decisions under pressure. With a strong preseason, he could potentially leapfrog more established names on the depth chart, offering a stark contrast in both play style and persona to Watson.
Then there’s the looming possibility of pursuing another quarterback entirely, either through trade or the 2026 NFL Draft. Reports have linked the Browns to several rising college stars, including the much-hyped Arch Manning and others with pro-ready skillsets. Whether the team moves forward with someone like Gabriel or takes a bigger swing in the near future, one thing is certain: the quarterback position in Cleveland is once again wide open. But this time, the Browns seem more focused on building something stable and sustainable, rather than swinging for a superstar and hoping the rest falls into place.
Watson himself released a short statement through his representatives, acknowledging the Browns’ decision while expressing disappointment and gratitude. “I respect the organization’s direction and wish them nothing but success,” the statement read. “I gave everything I had during my time in Cleveland and am grateful to the fans and teammates who supported me.” Notably, Watson did not address any of the off-field controversies that have followed him or offer any indication of his next steps in the NFL.
Reactions around the league have been swift and varied. Some players have expressed sympathy for Watson, calling the NFL a “what-have-you-done-for-me-lately” business. Others have praised the Browns for making a tough but necessary decision, with several analysts noting that Cleveland may finally be learning how to separate emotion from strategic planning. National commentators like Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport quickly labeled the announcement as “the biggest pivot of the offseason,” citing its potential ripple effects across multiple teams that may now find themselves in the quarterback market.
Fans in Cleveland appear divided, but a growing number seem to be in favor of the move. Social media lit up with a mix of relief, surprise, and cautious optimism. For some, the move is long overdue. For others, it’s a bittersweet admission of failure. But above all, it’s a signal that the Browns are once again willing to make bold decisions in pursuit of something more meaningful than headlines or hype—they’re aiming for integrity, continuity, and actual success.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Browns will now face tough questions about who will lead the offense, how they will manage the financial repercussions of Watson’s departure, and whether the locker room can rally behind a new leader. But for the first time in a long while, the path ahead—while uncertain—feels honest. It feels grounded in reality rather than fantasy. And in Cleveland, that may be the most hopeful sign of all.
Deshaun Watson’s time with the Browns will be remembered as a turbulent and controversial chapter. But the franchise’s decision to close that chapter with finality speaks volumes about its readiness to chart a new course. Whether that course leads to wins, titles, or simply redemption in the eyes of fans remains to be seen. But at the very least, the Browns have reclaimed the power to decide their own story. And that alone is a victory worth noting.
