CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Browns have delivered the clearest signal yet that the Deshaun Watson era is effectively over, regardless of his contract status or potential return from injury.
That was the opinion of Terry Pluto on the latest episode of the Terry’s Talkin’ podcast, where Pluto didn’t mince words when a listener asked if Watson would fit into the Browns’ return to a play-action, zone-blocking offense after he returns from his Achilles injury.
“Of course they’re not. They can’t. No, no, no, no, no,” Pluto said. “And I don’t even want to go, hypothetically, because even before he blew his Achilles twice, he stunk. I mean, let’s just be honest.”
Pluto reiterated how the Browns made a catastrophic mistake in the Watson trade and guaranteed contract, and they’re now executing a complete organizational reset to move past it.
Host David Campbell pointed out that owner Jimmy Haslam’s recent comments confirmed this shift: “Yeah, this is why Jimmy Haslam came out and said, ‘We took a swing and a miss.’ I think it’s his way of saying, ‘It’s over and we’re moving on.’ ”
Perhaps most telling is the Browns’ offensive shift back to the system that brought them success with Joe Flacco in 2023 and with other quarterbacks before that. By returning to a play-action heavy, zone-blocking approach, they’re essentially admitting their attempt to build around Watson’s skill set was fundamentally flawed, Pluto said.
“The big problem wasn’t the offense with Watson; it was Watson,” Pluto said. “I mean, I don’t care what offense you put him in, he stunk. I mean, let’s get real.”
The organizational reset extends beyond just the offensive scheme. The Browns have acquired Flacco and Kenny Pickett as veteran QBs, and installed Tommy Rees as offensive coordinator — all moves pointing toward a post-Watson future, Pluto said.
Beyond the football implications, Pluto suggested the Watson contract created significant locker room issues, potentially contributing to All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett’s reported discontent earlier this offseason.
“I believe part of Myles Garrett’s discontent was that Watson contract,” Pluto said. “Because it’s not just the money there and that. And like, you pick this guy from another team with all his baggage to give him that kind of cash. And I’m sure if Myles was [upset]… other players were thinking the same thing.”