It also sends a message to fans. Every time there is a media availability with one of the people in power with the Browns, they are asked about Watson's status. This has led people to wonder if the Browns were indeed considering one of the least popular ideas a team could imagine. That's done.
The other element that stands out here is that Haslam is taking the blame. Well, he's sharing some of it with Dee, his wife.
It's not realistic to believe that Haslam made the decision to acquire Watson himself. Berry and Stefanski were involved. But when Watson initially denied them and the Browns reacted by then guaranteeing the entire $230 million offer, the only person who could greenlight that element was ownership. The lost draft picks are bad enough. The team is finally back with their normal assortment of selections, save for a few trades they've made.
It's the continuing drain on the salary cap that continues to hurt the Browns. Yes, they can operate and put a team on the field that can compete, but the Browns have at least temporarily lost an advantage they had in terms of their ability to spend.
In taking that blame, Haslam is lowering the temperature around the organization. Specifically, he's taking some of the pressure off of Stefanski and Berry. There has been a belief that if they are unable to have a far more successful season in 2025, they would be fired. This suggests that they have a longer leash.
If the Browns finish with a similar record next season and there isn't clear development within the team, ownership could certainly change their mind and make the decision to retain the coach and GM. For now, it implies a clear-eyed view of the state of the team and what is required to building a sustainable competitor.
That's growth. Now, the next step is to stop making moves that then require these kinds of admissions.