Cleveland Browns Insider Casts Doubt On Potential Deshaun Watson Return
As Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson inches closer to a potential return from a ruptured Achilles, a prominent team insider has cast serious doubt on whether he will see the field at all this season. The comments add another layer of complexity to the Browns’ quarterback situation and the ongoing fallout from the blockbuster trade for Watson.
An Insider’s Perspective on Cleveland Browns Fan Sentiment
During an appearance on 92.3 The Fan, Cleveland insider Ken Carman stated his belief that even if Watson is healthy and activated, he will not play another game for the Browns this season. Carman’s reasoning is rooted in the overwhelmingly negative sentiment from the fanbase.
“The fans don’t like him here; this has been a nasty chapter in our history here,” Carman said. “I’m getting Facebook invites for when the guy gets cut, for crying out loud. They don’t want him out there.”
Carman suggested that from a purely football perspective, playing a healthy Watson would make sense. However, he argued that the organization needs to consider the fans’ desire to move on. He believes the team should instead continue with current starter Dillon Gabriel and eventually give rookie Shedeur Sanders a look.
Watson’s Return and the Quarterback Room
Watson has been on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list while recovering from his second Achilles surgery in just over a year. While the team has not officially opened his 21-day practice window, reports indicate it could happen in the coming weeks. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has remained noncommittal on a specific plan for Watson’s return.
The debate over Watson’s future comes as the team navigates its quarterback depth chart. While Dillon Gabriel has been the starter, some fans have been clamoring for the team to give rookie Shedeur Sanders an opportunity. Carman’s comments suggest a growing desire within the fanbase to turn the page and focus on the young quarterbacks, rather than revisit the Watson experiment.
The Lingering Impact of a Failed Trade
The discussion surrounding Watson is inseparable from the massive trade and contract that brought him to Cleveland. The Browns sent three first-round picks to the Houston Texans and signed Watson to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. The move has been widely seen as a failure, with Watson posting a 9-10 record as a starter while dealing with injuries and inconsistent play.
Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam has even publicly admitted the trade was a “big swing-and-miss.” With Watson’s massive contract on the books and the fan base seemingly ready to move on, the organization faces a difficult decision. Whether they activate Watson or not, the franchise will be dealing with the consequences of this high-stakes gamble for the foreseeable future.
