The narrative surrounding the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation has taken a significant turn as owner Jimmy Haslam expressed a renewed sense of optimism regarding his controversial signal-caller. Speaking at the NFL owners' meetings, Haslam indicated that Deshaun Watson has a "great chance" to remain the Deshaun Watson Browns starter heading into the 2026 season, citing a "fresh start" facilitated by the arrival of new head coach Todd Monken.
A Significant Shift in Organizational Tone
This public backing from Haslam marks a notable departure from his stance just one year ago. During the previous offseason, Haslam made headlines by candidly describing the blockbuster trade for Watson as a "big swing-and-miss." That assessment followed a series of seasons defined by injuries, suspensions, and inconsistent play that failed to justify the historic five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract Cleveland handed Watson in 2022.
However, the internal atmosphere in Cleveland appears to have shifted with the hiring of Todd Monken. Haslam pointed to the coaching change as the primary catalyst for Watson’s potential redemption. By pairing Watson with an offensive mind known for adaptability and success in multiple NFL stops, the Browns are signaling a final, concerted effort to maximize their massive investment in the quarterback.
The Todd Monken Factor for the Deshaun Watson Browns Starter
The appointment of Todd Monken as head coach is being viewed as the reset button the franchise desperately needed. Monken, who most recently served as an offensive coordinator elsewhere in the league, brings a reputation for tailoring schemes to the specific strengths of his personnel. For a Deshaun Watson Browns starter role to be successful, Haslam believes the synergy between the coach and player will be the deciding factor.
"Deshaun has a great chance to be our starter," Haslam told reporters. "He has a fresh start with Coach Monken, and we are excited to see how that relationship develops throughout the offseason and into training camp."
The "fresh start" terminology suggests that the slate has been wiped clean regarding Watson’s previous struggles in Cleveland. Under the previous regime, the offense often looked disjointed, and Watson struggled to regain the Pro Bowl form he displayed earlier in his career with the Houston Texans. Monken’s task will be to reconstruct the offensive identity around Watson’s mobility and downfield passing ability, elements that have been seen only in flashes since his arrival in Ohio.
Analyzing the 'Swing-and-Miss' Context
To understand the weight of Haslam’s recent comments, one must look back at the frustration that defined the 2024 and 2025 campaigns. When Haslam previously referred to the trade as a "swing-and-miss," it was interpreted as a sign that the organization was preparing to move on, potentially through a release or a secondary trade, despite the massive dead-cap hits involved.
By pivoting back to Watson now, Haslam is doubling down on the talent that led the Browns to give up three first-round picks for him. The owner’s comments suggest that the failure to date may have been viewed internally as a failure of system and environment rather than purely a decline in player ability. With Monken at the helm, the Browns are betting that a new perspective can unlock the version of Watson that led the league in passing yards in 2020.
What Lies Ahead for the Cleveland Offense
While Haslam’s endorsement is a strong indicator of the team’s current plans, the label of Deshaun Watson Browns starter will still need to be solidified on the practice field. The Browns have spent the early part of the offseason retooling the roster to fit Monken’s vision, ensuring that the supporting cast is optimized for a high-tempo, modern NFL offense.
Key areas of focus for the Browns include:
- Offensive Line Stability: Ensuring Watson has the protection necessary to operate Monken’s vertical passing game.
- Scheme Integration: How quickly Watson can master the nuances of Monken’s playbook during OTAs and minicamp.
- Health and Availability: Watson’s ability to remain on the field for a full 17-game slate, something he has struggled to do in Cleveland.
Haslam’s comments have effectively ended—at least for now—the speculation that Cleveland would aggressively pursue a high-end quarterback in the draft or free agency. By granting Watson this "fresh start," the Browns are prioritizing continuity and coaching over another total overhaul at the position.
The Stakes for the 2026 Season
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a definitive year for the Cleveland Browns franchise. With an owner who has publicly fluctuated between disappointment and hope, and a new head coach tasked with a reclamation project, the pressure on Deshaun Watson has never been higher. Haslam’s belief in a "great chance" for Watson to lead the team reflects a desire for stability in what has been a turbulent era for the organization.
As the Browns move toward the summer, all eyes will be on Berea to see if the Monken-Watson pairing can finally deliver the results the Cleveland faithful have been waiting for since the blockbuster trade was first announced.
Sources & Original Reporting
