The Deshaun Watson experiment in Cleveland imploded, with the quarterback perpetually injured or ineffective.
The most recent injury, which is expected to wipe out his entire 2025 campaign, finally led Browns owner Jimmy Haslam to admit the club "took a big swing and miss" with Watson.
The belief is that Watson is washed up at this stage, but the former Pro Bowl quarterback isn't planning on simply walking away with his millions.
The 29-year-old quarterback posted a video on Instagram this week of himself working out in Browns gear, suggesting that he'll make a comeback, noting that, at this point, he doesn't "have anything pretty much to lose."
"Everyone is doubting me. Everyone don't believe in me," Watson said in the video. "Everyone don't think I can get back to where I was. But I know, and I believe the work that I put in, that I believe in myself... I know, I'm gonna be way better than before."
All professional athletes must approach the job with a back-against-the-wall mentality. It's simply the nature of the business.
In Watson's case, it'll take more than hard work in the gym to revamp his standing.
When the Browns eventually move on, the QB's off-field issues, which included more than 20 women alleging sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions, could make him unemployable for some owners.
The on-field problems compound the issue. In three seasons in Cleveland, he played in 19 games due to suspension and injury. He was scattershot, missed reads, wasn't elusive or calm in the pocket, and showed no signs of the dynamic ability he displayed in Houston.
Assuming he isn't able to suit up in 2025, since 2020, he'll have missed 66 of a potential 85 games over five seasons. Can anyone overcome so much missed work, particularly at the most difficult position in sports? There is a reason Watson has -- as he said -- so many doubters.
