Cleveland Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam calls controversial acquisition of Deshaun Watson a ‘big swing and miss’

CNN - Apr 1st, 2025

Cleveland Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam has publicly acknowledged the team's acquisition of quarterback Deshaun Watson as a 'big swing and miss.' The Browns had traded for Watson from the Houston Texans in March 2022, giving away three first-round picks and signing him to a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract. Watson's tenure with the Browns has been marred with struggles on the field, injuries, and off-field controversies. Since joining the team, he has played only 19 games over three seasons, recording a 9-10 record. His performance has not met the expectations set by the hefty investment, and with his participation in the 2025 season uncertain due to injuries, the Browns are considering their future quarterback options. Haslam's comments underscore the disappointment in the trade, as he takes accountability for the decision alongside his co-owner Dee Haslam.

Deshaun Watson's move to the Browns was already contentious, given the numerous civil lawsuits alleging sexual harassment and assault during his time with the Texans. His initial suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy and subsequent injuries have limited his contribution to the team. The Browns are now faced with the challenge of rebuilding their roster while managing the financial implications of Watson's contract, which has been restructured to defer his salary cap impact to 2030. As the Browns hold the No. 2 pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, they are likely to look for new talent at the quarterback position, with Haslam emphasizing patience and a strategic approach in selecting top football players for the team's future success.

Nfl Cleveland Browns Deshaun Watson Jimmy Haslam Quarterback Trade Sports Controversy Player Injuries

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RATING

7.0

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a largely accurate and timely account of the Cleveland Browns' situation with Deshaun Watson, supported by credible sources and clear reporting. It effectively conveys the team's challenges and future plans, with a focus on Jimmy Haslam's candid admission of the trade's shortcomings. The story is well-written and accessible, though it could benefit from a broader range of perspectives and more transparency regarding unnamed sources. While primarily appealing to a sports audience, the article addresses themes of accountability and strategic decision-making with wider relevance. Its potential to engage readers and provoke discussion is notable, though it remains largely within the sports domain. Overall, the article is a reliable and informative piece that captures a significant moment in the Browns' ongoing narrative.

Accuracy

The story is largely accurate, with key facts about the Cleveland Browns' acquisition of Deshaun Watson being well-supported by available data. The details about the trade, including the three first-round picks and the $230 million contract, are consistent with known information. The article accurately reports Watson's performance issues and injury history, such as the ruptured Achilles and subsequent surgeries. However, some claims, like the reworking of Watson's contract to add void years, require further verification due to reliance on unnamed sources. Overall, the story presents a truthful account of events, but some specifics would benefit from additional confirmation.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the situation, primarily focusing on the Browns' perspective and Jimmy Haslam's admission of the trade being a 'big swing and miss.' While it provides a clear narrative of the team's challenges with Watson, it lacks the player's perspective or comments from other stakeholders, such as NFL analysts or fans, which could provide a more rounded view. The focus remains on the Browns' organizational decisions and future plans, offering limited insight into Watson's side of the story or broader league reactions.

Clarity

The article is well-written, with a clear and logical flow that guides the reader through the Browns' acquisition of Watson, his performance issues, and the team's future plans. The language is straightforward, making it accessible to a broad audience, including those not deeply familiar with NFL intricacies. The use of direct quotes from Haslam adds clarity and authenticity to the narrative, although some complex contractual details could be simplified for better understanding.

Source quality

The story cites credible sources such as Cleveland.com and ESPN, which are reputable in sports journalism. However, it relies on unnamed sources for some claims, like the contract adjustments, which slightly diminishes the reliability. The primary source of Haslam's comments, Mary Kay Cabot via Cleveland.com, is a well-known reporter, lending credibility to the quotes. The use of direct quotes from Haslam strengthens the story, but more diverse sourcing could enhance the depth and reliability.

Transparency

The article provides a clear account of Jimmy Haslam's public statements, attributing them to reliable sources. However, it lacks transparency regarding the unnamed sources cited for contract details, which affects the story's overall transparency. The article could improve by explaining the basis for these claims and offering more context on how the information was obtained. The lack of detailed methodology or disclosure about potential biases or conflicts of interest is a minor shortcoming.