NFL analyst predicts potential Deshaun Watson exit might also lead to housecleaning for Browns
Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns had high hopes coming into the 2024 season. While it is far too early to throw in the towel just yet, a 0-1 start sets the team on the wrong path for the season.
If the Browns elect to move on from Watson, one analyst believes the team might start from scratch at head coach and general manager as well.
Speaking on the September 13 edition of Pro Football Talk, NFL analyst Michael Holley scrapped a previous prediction that only Watson would be held responsible. Here's how he put it:
"I thought, when he signed that contract, when he got there, I said, 'Oh, he's going to be there and he's going to cost Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry their jobs'. Oh, I got it wrong. I think they may all go down together if he doesn't show me something," he said. PFT (From 0:21)
Deshaun Watson currently has a 0-1 record this season. In his lone performance, he threw for one touchdown, two interceptions, 169 yards and completed less than 55% of his throws.
He faced the Dallas Cowboys in that performance, lending some to believe the game was more of a case of 'great Cowboys, good Browns'.
However, the Browns face the Jaguars this week, who went 9-8 last season. The game could confirm fears created in Week 1 or give Watson a defense against doubters.
Houston Texans owner's wife takes shot at Deshaun Watson's Browns
The Houston Texans had a front-row seat to the best years of the Deshaun Watson experience. However, when things took a turn in the 2020s, the team decided to pull the plug, trading the quarterback to the Browns ahead of the 2022 season.
With Watson continuing to struggle at the start of the present season, owner Cal McNair's wife Hannah McNair fired off a shot on the Ultimate Fan Experience Houston Sports podcast.
"Thank a Brown. Have you thanked a Brown lately?" McNair said. "I thank them for all of our players," she said, via Sports Illustrated and ML Football.
The Houston Texans offloaded Watson to the Browns in exchange for first-round picks in 2022, 2023 and 2024, plus a pair of picks in the third and fourth rounds. The Houston Texans also gave the Browns a fifth-round pick.
Since then, the team has used the capital to help build a team many believe to be the biggest new challenger to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC. Meanwhile, the Browns are looking for their first big return on their investment in Watson's third season.
If any of the above quotes are used, credit 'Pro Football Talk', and H/T Sportskeeda.