NFL Hall of Famer Troy Aikman didn’t hold back in his critique of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson during Monday’s loss to the Denver Broncos. Watson, sidelined for the season with an Achilles rupture, has faced mounting scrutiny for his performance since joining the Browns.
Aikman questioned the team’s decision to stick with Watson as the starter earlier in the season despite lackluster performances. “The albatross is Deshaun Watson,” Aikman said during the broadcast. “If you go to Jameis Winston earlier, does this season look different? The offense’s struggles have undoubtedly impacted the defense.”
Watson’s stats paint a grim picture: in his seven starts this season, Cleveland went 1-6, failing to score more than 20 points in any game. Even before his injury, calls for his benching were growing. Watson’s $230 million fully guaranteed contract—paired with the hefty draft capital spent to acquire him—has complicated the Browns’ options moving forward.
While the team has not committed to Watson as their starter in 2025, GM Andrew Berry emphasized recovery as the current priority. “Our focus is on his health,” Berry said. “Everything else will be addressed later.”
Despite Watson’s struggles, the Browns are exploring ways to revamp their quarterback room. According to reports, the team plans to add competition through the draft or free agency while evaluating Jameis Winston, who showed flashes of brilliance, including a franchise-record 497-yard game against Denver. However, his turnover issues remain a concern.
As the Browns navigate their quarterback conundrum, Aikman’s blunt assessment resonates with frustrated fans wondering what could have been.
