Being picky is scary. NFL owners aren't immune either.
For now, Deshaun Watson remains part of the Cleveland Browns' quarterback puzzle. Especially since he has two years left on his contract guaranteed.
After that point, franchise owner Jimmy Haslam isn't sure where the 29-year-old fits.
“We need to get through the season and we will consider everything.” Haslam told ESPN. When asked about the Browns' future under center.
This is called ambiguity by specification. At least it's finally being recognized.
And while the owner's words for the signal-caller aren't exactly a vote of no confidence, they certainly don't inspire confidence either, considering he just got through the defense of his coach and general manager.
“We went from 11-6 to 3-10 and into the playoffs, so I'm a little confused about what happened,” Haslam said Wednesday as he departed from an NFL owners meeting.
When trying to figure out why the Browns sit at the bottom of the AFC North at 3-10, Watson's play is sure to be a topic of discussion.
Watson, once touted as a franchise quarterback, has been a disaster this season when healthy.
The seventh-year signal-caller played in seven games and had 1,148 passing yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions before suffering a season-ending Achilles tendon injury against the Bengals.
Calls for Watson to be benched began long before the Week 7 game, and if the Browns sign him to a record-setting, fully guaranteed $230 million contract ahead of the 2022 game Without him, Watson might not have hit his stride as early as Week 2. season.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, owner Jimmy Haslam and general manager Andrew Berry are focused on a joint practice with the Giants in Berea on Thursday, August 19, 2021. Phil Masturzo / USA TODAY NETWORK
The contract has $92 million guaranteed over the next two seasons, so cutting Watson would result in a debilitating dead cap hit.
Jameis Winston, replacing the injured Watson, stepped up only slightly, but at least made Cleveland's passing attack work.
In the midst of a season filled with division and ridicule, Winston was one of the Browns' few spots of brightness and enlightenment.
The Browns currently own the No. 8 pick and could play as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 draft class, but he could also be in their future.
Although Watson's future is uncertain, Haslam reiterated his belief that the right people are already in the building, including head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry.
“We are very cooperative,” the owner said.
I'm sorry but I'm rooting for you.
“We have a lot of work to do… [but] I learned not to get too emotional during the season. I'll sit down when the season is over. [and] Get everything done for next year,” Haslam said.
