In a surprising turn of events, former Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Joe Thomas has openly criticized quarterback Deshaun Watson, labeling him a “failure” in his recent comments. Watson, who was acquired by the Browns in a blockbuster trade from the Houston Texans in 2022, has faced immense scrutiny for his performance on the field, as well as his off-field controversies, and Thomas’ remarks have added more fuel to the fire.
Watson was expected to be the franchise quarterback that would turn around the Browns’ long history of mediocrity. The Browns paid a heavy price for Watson, giving up multiple first-round draft picks and signing him to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, the largest guaranteed deal in NFL history at the time. However, his play thus far has not lived up to the expectations associated with his massive contract.
The quarterback’s tenure in Cleveland has been marred by inconsistency and subpar performances. In the 2023 season, Watson struggled to regain his Pro Bowl form after serving an 11-game suspension in 2022 due to off-field allegations of sexual misconduct. While he showed flashes of his former brilliance, his overall play has been erratic, with missed throws, questionable decision-making, and a lack of chemistry with his wide receivers. The Browns, once expected to contend in the AFC North, have often found themselves underperforming under Watson’s leadership.
Thomas, a former All-Pro offensive tackle and one of the most respected figures in Browns history, did not mince words when discussing Watson. Speaking on a podcast, Thomas stated, “When you make that kind of investment in a player, especially a quarterback, you expect results. Deshaun Watson has failed to deliver. He hasn’t just been average; he’s been a failure in every sense.”
Thomas’ comments reflect the growing frustration among Browns fans and media alike. The team had high hopes that Watson’s arrival would be the final piece of the puzzle, but his inability to lead the team to consistent success has left many questioning whether the Browns made a massive mistake. Despite Watson’s struggles, there are still some who believe he can turn things around with time, though the clock is ticking.
As the Browns continue their search for success, Watson faces mounting pressure to prove his doubters wrong. With voices like Joe Thomas now publicly questioning his ability, Watson’s future in Cleveland may be on shaky ground if he fails to step up in the coming seasons.