The boos echoed through the stadium every time Deshaun Watson dropped back to pass, and after another rough outing in a 31-7 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Cleveland Browns quarterback didn't mince words when asked about the hostile reception.
Watson, who completed just 9 of 13 passes for 65 yards before being pulled, told reporters that the jeers had nothing to do with his performance on the field. Instead, he suggested they were fueled by something far more personal.
“I didn’t have no reaction,” Watson said. “I think the whole world knows it has nothing to do about the performance. It’s a little bit [more] personal than that. I think that’s a disrespectful thing. I’m gonna keep whatever I feel with me and my family internally with how I feel about that and move on.”
He then referenced a painful memory from his last appearance on that very field. “Last time I played on this field I tore my Achilles. That same fan base cheered when I got hurt. What does that have to do with anything about performance? When a person gets hurt, especially for your own city and they cheer?”
Fans Push Back
Browns fans, many of whom have never warmed to Watson since the team acquired him amid a storm of off-field allegations and a massive contract, were quick to defend their booing. Social media lit up with criticism, with one user writing, “It’s not ‘personal…’ Browns fans know they overpaid for an absolute BUST. That is all.”
Others pointed to the growing chorus of fans who want to see rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders take the reins. “Because they want Shedeur. And they are right. There’s a future Hall of Famer ready to play and then there’s you,” another post read.
The sentiment was echoed in the stands, where chants for Sanders could be heard during the game. The rookie has been a lightning rod for fan enthusiasm, and his recent struggles—including a costly interception—have done little to dampen the demand for change.
A Contract That Limits Options
Despite the fan unrest, the Browns are in a bind. Watson's fully guaranteed $230 million contract makes him nearly immovable until 2027. The cap hit would be devastating if they tried to cut or trade him, leaving the team with little choice but to keep him on the roster.
If Watson isn't under center for the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he could become the highest-paid benchwarmer in NFL history. Head coach Todd Monken has praised Watson's return despite the rough edges, but the pressure is mounting.
For now, Watson insists he's focused on the work ahead, even if the crowd's reaction stings. “I’m gonna keep whatever I feel with me and my family internally,” he said. “And move on.”
