Deshaun Watson may never put on a Cleveland Browns uniform ever again. But he is having an impact on their offense and rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel
Deshaun Watson has not sniffed the field this year, and may never put on a Cleveland Browns uniform ever again. But he is having an impact on their offense and rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, specifically.
Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees opened up about Watson’s impact on Gabriel’s development through his first NFL season, including his first NFL win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
Watson, of course, reinjured his Achilles tendon in January, which prompted the Browns to overhaul their quarterbacks room. Watson has been pushing to make a return, yet Gabriel has played well since taking over for Joe Flacco after the 40-year-old was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Deshaun Watson’s Relationship With Dillon Gabriel Has ‘Really Been Positive’
Watson may not seem like an ideal mentor for a 24-year-old based on his catastrophic fall from grace. But according to Rees, Watson’s presence has been beneficial on the first-time NFL starter.
“He goes out of his way to help him talk through some coverages, talk through things like that,” Rees said.
Whatever you want to say about Watson’s controversial, injury-marred tenure with the Browns, Watson sure could play the quarterback position when healthy. He made the Pro Bowl three times as a member of the Houston Texans before they traded him to Cleveland for three first-round picks.
Plus, whatever Gabriel has gotten from Watson has worked. Gabriel has not yet thrown an interception in three starts, tossing three touchdowns while completing 72.2 percent of his 18 passes against the Dolphins in the rain Sunday.
Plus, whatever Rees is seeing has been backed up by coach Kevin Stefanski.
“He’s doing a great job at rehabbing, good job in meetings,” Stefanski said last week of Watson.
Deshaun Watson Is Unlikely To Play This Year — and May Never Suit Up For The Browns Again
This is the fourth of Watson’s fully guaranteed five-year, $235 million contract, which means fans who have been counting down the days until his contract expires are getting closer to freedom.
The Browns will owe Watson an appalling $80 million-plus in dead money if they release him after June 1, according to Over The Cap. Yet, if they also release him after June 1, that dead cap hit will be spread over his void years.
But with Gabriel on an entry-level contract of a third-round pick, plus Shedeur Sanders backing him up and Myles Garrett locked into a huge deal, the Browns could swing that deal to rid themselves of Watson’s stench — particularly since his contract is untradeable.
Or the Browns could decide simply to suck up Watson as the highest-paid backup quarterback in NFL history — even more so than Kirk Cousins with the Atlanta Falcons this year — then be rid of the Watson mistake rather than compounding it through the rest of the 2027 season.
Watson has only thrown for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and 465 rushing yards and three scores in a Browns uniform. What’s worse is he’s only played 19 games for the Browns, mainly due to injuries and an 11-game suspension in 2022 for violating the NFL’s personal-conduct policy.
BREAKING: Cleveland Browns Owner Jimmy Haslam Issues Strong Statement Condemning Racist Behavior Among Fans
In a powerful and unwavering statement, Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has condemned recent reports of racist behavior among fans during home games, calling such actions "completely unacceptable, disgraceful, and directly opposed to the values that the Cleveland Browns and our community uphold." This comes in response to alarming reports of racial slurs and discriminatory actions allegedly taking place at FirstEnergy Stadium, prompting Haslam to take immediate and decisive action.
“Racism has no place at FirstEnergy Stadium, in Cleveland, or in the NFL,” Haslam declared, his tone firm and resolute. “These actions are not only disrespectful, but they go against the very foundation of inclusivity, respect, and sportsmanship that the Browns have always stood for. The Browns organization is built on unity, and we will not tolerate any behavior that undermines those core values.”
Haslam’s statement comes after disturbing reports from recent Browns home games, where fans were allegedly seen or heard using racial slurs and engaging in discriminatory behavior. These incidents have raised serious concerns about racism in sports, and Haslam made it clear that the Browns will take immediate steps to ensure that such behavior is eradicated from their fanbase.
“We are a team for all people, and Cleveland is a city known for its diversity,” Haslam continued. “Our fans represent a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and we take immense pride in that diversity. Every fan should feel safe, respected, and valued when they come to FirstEnergy Stadium. We will not allow hatred or bigotry to have a place in our stadium.”
To address these incidents, Haslam announced that the Browns would be strictly enforcing the team’s Fan Code of Conduct, which explicitly prohibits hate speech, discrimination, and any actions that create a hostile or unsafe environment. He emphasized that any individual found engaging in racist or discriminatory behavior will face permanent bans from attending future games at FirstEnergy Stadium. Additionally, the Browns are working to enhance security measures and raise awareness among fans about the team’s commitment to maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for all.
“We will not turn a blind eye to this,” Haslam stated. “Anyone found promoting hate or racism will face permanent bans from the stadium. This is a zero-tolerance policy. We are committed to making FirstEnergy Stadium a place where all fans can enjoy the game in a safe and inclusive environment.”
Haslam’s swift and decisive response has been praised across the NFL, with many applauding his leadership in confronting the issue head-on. “Jimmy Haslam is showing the leadership that all team owners should embrace when addressing racism,” said NFL analyst and former player Louis Riddick. “It’s important for organizations to send a strong message, and Haslam is doing just that.”
In addition to enforcing the Fan Code of Conduct, the Browns have pledged to work more closely with local community groups and organizations to promote inclusivity and combat racism both inside and outside the stadium. Haslam emphasized that the team’s efforts will extend beyond enforcing policies, focusing on creating a long-term culture of respect, unity, and inclusivity.
As the NFL continues to confront issues of racism, Haslam’s statement serves as a strong reminder that sports should be about unity, respect, and the shared love of the game. The Cleveland Browns are sending a clear message: racism will not be tolerated, and they are prepared to take bold action to ensure that every fan feels safe and respected at FirstEnergy Stadium.
“We will not allow hatred or bigotry to be part of our game. Every fan should feel safe, respected, and valued when they come to our stadium.” — Jimmy Haslam
With his commitment to making FirstEnergy Stadium a place where racism and hate have no place, Jimmy Haslam is setting an example for the entire NFL, proving that leadership in the fight against racism begins at the top and resonates throughout the organization.
