NFL insider Adam Schefter recently dropped a bombshell regarding the Cleveland Browns quarterback situation. He reported that team owner Jimmy Haslambelieves Deshaun Watson has a good chance of being the Week 1 starter. This news surprised many fans because Watson has missed significant time due to major injuries.
Schefter expressed his own shock during a recent talk with Dan Stanczyk about the situation. He could hardly believe he was discussing Watson as a viable option for the starting role again. “I cannot believe Jimmy Haslam said that Deshaun Watson has a great chance to start,” Schefter said.
Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson
Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam talks with Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) on the sidelines before the start of the preseason game agains the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Cleveland Browns at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida Friday, August 12, 2022 for the first home preseason game of the season.
Jki 081222 Bs Jags Vs Browns Preseason 55 © Bob Self/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The owner’s comment marks a massive shift from his previous stance on the controversial quarterback. Only a year ago, it seemed like the team was ready to move on from their expensive investment. Now, the organization is doubling down on Watson despite his long absence from the football field.
More about Browns owner Jimmy Haslam telling reporters that Deshaun Watson has a “great chance” to be Cleveland’s starting quarterback this season, with @DanStanczyk:
🎧 https://t.co/RlFA5cC43y pic.twitter.com/fZFD2okvsk
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 1, 2026
Watson has not played in a professional game since week seven of the 2024 season. He suffered a torn Achilles and then faced a second tear during his recovery process. These physical setbacks led many people to believe his career in Cleveland was over for good.
Beyond the injuries, Watson has also faced serious legal issues that have clouded his professional future. The combination of off-field trouble and health problems led to a very negative outlook. Most experts did not expect him to return to the starting lineup this soon.
Deshaun Watson faces massive pressure in upcoming season
The change in the owner’s perspective is one of the most underrated storylines this offseason. Schefter pointed out that the team’s leadership previously viewed the situation as a failure. “I believe he said it was a big swing and a miss,” Schefter noted.
Now, that same player is getting another chance to lead the offense. Schefter described it as a big swing and a miss stepping back into the batter’s box for another crack. This sudden turn of events has caught the entire league by surprise.
Almost nobody forecasted Watson to be the primary recipe for the Browns this year. With the draft approaching, the team is moving forward with a quarterback who has been battered and out of the league. It’s a risky move for the team.
The owner is taking Haslam at his word despite the rocky history between the player and the team. Fans are wondering if Watson can truly return to his former level of play. This decision will define the Cleveland Browns’ future for years to come.