Former Cleveland Browns executive Paul DePodesta appeared to take a subtle swipe at head coach Kevin Stefanski while discussing the team’s infamous Deshaun Watson trade.
DePodesta departed the Browns earlier this month to become the Colorado Rockies’ president of baseball operations. Naturally, questions surfaced about Cleveland’s 2022 decision to trade for Watson and hand him a $230 million fully guaranteed contract — a failed move that has since become one of the franchise’s most scrutinized.
When DePodesta was asked about the criticism he’s received for the failed deal, he initially deflected with what sounded like a pointed jab at Stefanski.
“I was also calling plays for the Browns,” DePodesta said with a laugh.
He then shifted to a more measured tone, ultimately taking responsibility for the organization’s missteps.
“Those are organizational decisions,” DePodesta continued. “Those are done collaboratively, a lot of people on board, and if you’re a senior leader of that organization at that time, then you own that decision.
“It’s the way I feel about almost all the decisions we made there in Cleveland. I absolutely own them all.”
Deshaun Watson Deal Still Bogging Down Browns
Watson is the highest-paid player on the Browns roster for the next two seasons, but it’s unlikely he’ll ever take another snap for the franchise.
In all, Watson has played in 19 games with the Browns, missing time due to a lengthy suspension and injuries. He’s passed for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, passing a 9-10 record.
During the offseason, owner Jimmy Haslam publicly admitted the move was a failure for the first time.
“We took a big swing-and-miss with Deshaun,” Haslam said. “We thought we had the quarterback; we didn’t. And we gave up a lot of draft picks to get him, so we’ve got to dig ourselves out of that hole.
“… [The trade] was an entire organization decision and it ends with Dee [Haslam] and I, so hold us accountable.”
Browns QB Deshaun Watson Nearing Return
Watson has missed more than a year rehabbing from a twice-ruptured Achilles. However, his return to the practice field appears close. Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot recently provided details on the situation and when Watson could be back in the mix.
“Deshaun Watson continues to make excellent progress in his comeback from a re-ruptured Achilles, but the Browns aren’t opening his 21-day practice window this week,” Cabot said, citing a league source. “The Browns will wait at least until least Week 12 against the Raiders to designate Watson for return from reserve/Physically Unable to Perform. They expect to have more clarity on his timeframe over the next couple of weeks.”
Watson’s potential return looms as an intriguing storyline for the Browns as the season unfolds. Cleveland drafted Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders to evaluate its future at quarterback, but the results have been mixed.
Gabriel has gone 1–4 as a starter, while Sanders has remained patient in a backup role. Still, the Browns have a massive financial commitment tied to Watson. If he’s healthy enough to suit up, the team may want to give him a look before confronting what could be a costly offseason decision about his future with the franchise.
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