Deshaun Watson, Cleveland’s $230 million mistake at QB, has fans missing Joe Flacco as footage hints of divided locker room
Deshaun Watson has not been the same since he demanded to leave the Houston Texans.
Now, it's increasingly becoming a question if Cleveland Browns players want their $230 million quarterback to still be the face of the franchise.
4
On Monday , accusing Watson of sexual assault and battery in October 2020, while playing for the Houston Texans.
Watson faced the media on Wednesday ahead of their Week 2 game with Jacksonville and ahead of that appearance his attorney Rusty Hardin issued a statement via the Browns.
“Deshaun strongly denies the allegations in the Jane Doe lawsuit filed Monday.
"We have asked him not to comment further while this matter works its way through the courts, but are comfortable he will ultimately be vindicated.
READ MORE ON NFL
“We will be ready to defend this case in court at the appropriate time, but don’t intend to conduct our defense in the media. We would ask that people be patient while the legal process runs its course. In the meantime, Deshaun is going to focus his energy and concentration on football.”
In response the plaintiff’s attorney, Tony Buzbee released a statement via Instagram: “We knew this case was the most serious and egregious case brought against Watson to date and our client, who is rightly traumatized by these events, wanted to attempt a private resolution.
“We thought that was the best approach given the media storm that occurred surrounding the legion of other claims.
“Unfortunately, Watson’s team or maybe his lawyers couldn’t or wouldn’t give this case the attention it was due. ... Watson was well aware of this victim and her claims immediately after it occurred and Watson was again reminded back when we filed the first lawsuit for the other multiple victims.”
Most read in NFL
Watson struggled through another loss on Sunday, being outplayed by Dak Prescott during a 33-17 home defeat to the Dallas Cowboys that was worse than the final score and inspired awkward commentary from Tom Brady.
The Browns were booed, Cleveland trailed 27-3 during the third quarter, and Watson rarely impressed in Week 1.
4
4
And at one point, a teammate appeared to ignore Watson as he attempted to help him get up.
Video footage showed veteran offensive lineman Joel Bitonio pushing away Watson's hand while Bitonio was still on his back and on the ground.
"Joel Bitonio is a real one for this," one fan tweeted.
"Shocking: People do not like Deshaun Watson," a second fan psoted.
"He's getting the boot, like, seriously," a third fan wrote. "He played AWFUL."
"That organization has a culture problem," a fourth fan said. "No wonder Deshaun doesn’t have the confidence. Not defending this bum, but it’s starting to make sense."
Watson was one of the worst QBs in the NFL in Week 1, appearing overwhelmed and uncertain on the field, while completing just 24-of-45 passes for 169 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and a 51.1 rating.
But the biggest problem is how much the Browns invested in Watson when other teams wouldn't touch him.
Then there's the fact that many Cleveland fans preferred Joe Flacco, who won NFL Comeback Player of the Year after Watson was lost in Week 10 last season to a shoulder injury.
The 38-year-old Flacco led the Browns to the playoffs, and helped Kevin Stefanski edge Houston's DeMeco Ryans for Coach of the Year.
But with questions looming about a divided locker room, Flacco was allowed to walk, and Cleveland again backed Watson.
His dedication to the Browns in 2023 was questioned by local fans and national media.
4
Now, a QB who accounts for a massive $145 million salary cap hit in 2025-26 is already facing questions after Week 1 about his long-term future in Cleveland.
Respected veteran Jameis Winston is the Browns' backup, and Cleveland has too much talent on defense to endure another disappointing season with Watson at the helm.
"How long before Jameis starts?" a fan wondered.
"Something is going on in that locker room," a second fan wrote. "This team is about implode if they don’t get ahold of the situation soon."
The Texans' 2022 decision to finally move on from Watson was a franchise changer for two organizations.
The Texans eventually found their way to C.J. Stroud, who dominated in Week 1 and is an MVP contender this year.
Watson has been a disaster for the Browns, who entered a controversial bidding war to win him, giving up first-round picks in 2022, 2023 and 2024, in addition to a 2023 third-round pick and a 2024 fourth-round pick.
The trade became even worse when the Browns gave the troubled Watson a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract.
Jordan Mason looks visibly upset as he reveals he was told he would start for the San Francisco 49ers in their NFL game against the New York Jets
Watson was also accused of sexual misconduct and harassment by more than 20 women before being traded to Cleveland.
He has always denied any wrongdoing, and 20 claims of sexual misconduct .
Watson is a three-time Pro Bowler who passed for a league-high 4,823 yards in 2020.
Yet he's only 8-5 leading the Browns and has only played in 13 games the last three-plus seasons.
Watson failing to stay healthy and win playoff games is a big problem for Cleveland.
Guaranteeing him $230 million and allowing him to lead a potentially divided locker room, after moving on from the well-liked Flacco, is an even bigger issue for the Browns.
The boos have returned in Cleveland after just one game. The Browns can't keep ignoring the Watson problem that they needlessly created.
The NFL issue their own response on Tuesday with a statement from league spokesperson Brian McCarthy.
Read More on talkSPORT
As things stand Watson is not expected to be placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List while 'the matter is looked into under the personal conduct policy.'
talkSPORT is your home of the NFL on UK radio - join us as Week 2 gets underway with the Miami Dolphins hosting the Buffalo Bills on talkSPORT from 1am on Friday September 13
Watch the first episode of our brand new show 'Run Down' on the
Topics