REPORT: Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson Received Death Threats
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson reportedly received death threats during the offseason last year before beginning his third season with the organization.
Deshaun Watson’s 2024 season ended abruptly when he tore his Achilles in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals. This came one year after a season-ending shoulder injury limited his 2023 campaign to six games.
Last week, news emerged that Watson tore his Achilles again and could be forced to miss the entire 2025 season. At this point, it already feels like he’s played his final snap for the organization.
Jason Lloyd of The Athletic recently did a deep dive into Watson’s disastrous tenure with the Browns. There, Lloyd reports that the 29-year-old “received at least one death threat” last year:
“His agent, David Mulugheta, received a disturbing email in June from someone threatening to shoot Watson or burn down his house, according to a police report obtained by The Athletic. Police later closed the investigation with no suspects identified.”
The Browns received immense backlash when they acquired Watson from the Houston Texans two years ago before giving him a $230 million fully-guaranteed contract. Watson was accused of sexual misconduct by more than two dozen women and subsequently settled 23 civil lawsuits.
Watson was suspended by the league for the first 11 games of 2022. The Cleveland offense functioned better with Jacoby Brissett and Joe Flacco in 2022 and 2023, respectively, compared to the games Watson played.
Trading for Watson also meant giving up on 2018 first-overall pick Baker Mayfield, who was sent to the Carolina Panthers ahead of the 2022 season. Mayfield has since enjoyed a career renaissance with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading them to consecutive NFC South division crowns.
Cleveland Will Likely Replace Deshaun Watson This Offseason
It remains to be seen if the Browns will keep Watson on their roster or outright release him, but one thing feels like a certainty: He has made his last start for the organization and will not see meaningful playing time again.
With the No. 2 pick, Cleveland can draft a top QB prospect like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders. Other potential quarterbacks to target via trade or free agency could include Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins, Aaron Rodgers and Justin Fields.
