Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has lifted the lid on his decision regarding Deshaun Watson’s future with the team.
The quarterback, who signed a five-year, $230 million contract with the Browns in 2022, has struggled during a dismal start to the season.
He completed 16 of his 23 pass attempts for 168 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in a 20-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday — a defeat that saw Cleveland fall further to 1-5.
Watson’s abysmal performance – including a challenging walk-off during the Week 5 loss to the Washington Commanders – has led to calls for the signal caller to be banished to the bench.
However, Stefanski doubled down on Monday, insisting he was sticking with Watson as his starting quarterback over Jameis Winston.
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski (R) insisted he is sticking with Deshaun Watson
“I think Deshaun gives us the best chance to win and still gives us the best chance to win,” Stefanski claimed, much to the dismay of Browns fans.
Cleveland’s fan base went into meltdown on social media following the news, with many unconvinced of Stefanski’s decision.
“Blink twice if you think you’re in danger Kevin,” one fan joked on X, formerly known as Twitter, suggesting Stefanski’s decision was not of his own volition.
Others agreed, adding, “Translation: the owners paid a lot for him, and I’m not allowed to continue.”
”Because the owner told me I have to do this or my boss will be fired,” another echoed, imitating the head coach.
“That franchise is a joke, what poverty,” wrote another, while a fifth added: “What is Kevin Stefanski smoking???”
Many NFL fans seemed to suggest that the Browns’ motivation for keeping Watson on the field was the off-field headlines the team has endured in recent years and the quarterback’s blockbuster contract.
Watson was traded to the Browns in 2022 for six draft picks, including three first rounders, despite being sued by more than two dozen female massage therapists for sexual harassment and assault the year before.
Fans were baffled by the decision, with many suggesting it was not the coach’s decision
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam then handed Watson a five-year extension worth $230 million, all guaranteed, through 2022.
Watson has been embroiled in several lawsuits over the past three seasons, previously reaching confidential settlements with 20 women over sexual misconduct lawsuits that saw him suspended for 11 NFL games in the 2022 season.
Last month it was revealed that he has been sued for over a million dollars by a new woman, who has accused him of sexually assaulting her in Texas four years ago. Watson ‘strongly’ denies the allegations.
Meanwhile, bizarre scenes unfolded on the field during Week 5, when Watson defiantly walked off mid-match.
Stefanski was left in disbelief at his own quarterback as Watson left the huddle and headed to the sideline during the third quarter.
Trailing by 21 on 4th and goal, the head coach made the call to keep the offense on the field in a desperate attempt for Cleveland to claw its way back into the game.
Moments later, however, Watson was off the field and the Browns had resorted to a field goal.
Watson signed a five-year extension worth $230 million in 2022, all of which is guaranteed
Watson appeared to challenge his coach, who took off his headphones in frustration before covering his mouth and speaking to his quarterback.
Many NFL fans on social media accused the 29-year-old of effectively quitting his team.
Later, Stefanski explained that it was a blunder by the Browns that led to Watson leaving the field.
“We had the wrong number of people in the group, and at that point we just wanted to kick the field goal,” he said.