Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Browns ponder draft decision as Watson's career unfolds

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 5, 2026, 4:12 AM

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

Browns ponder draft decision as Watson's career unfolds

Summary

Cleveland Browns opted for Myles Garrett instead of selecting Deshaun Watson with the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Watson went No. 12 to the Houston Texans and has had a mixed career since, while the Browns struggled with quarterback instability. Former Clemson coach Dabo Swinney famously compared Watson to Michael Jordan when warning the Browns. Watson, currently signed to a five-year, $230 million contract, is looking to rebound after an injury-plagued 2025 season as new head coach Todd Monken aims to leverage Watson's skill set. Expectations for come-back lies ahead in 2026.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Browns drafted Myles Garrett first overall in 2017
•Deshaun Watson was selected 12th by Texans
•Cleveland went 0-16 in the 2017 season
•Watson is on a five-year, $230 million contract
•New coach Todd Monken aims to optimize Watson's skills

Latest Updates

4:12 AMYahoo Sports — “They’d Be Passing on Michael Jordan”: When Browns Were Warned Against Bypassing Deshaun Watson in 2017 NFL Draft

What they're saying

"
Michael Jordan was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the third pick in the 1984 NBA draft. According to former team executive Keith Brown, who drafted the icon, they had gone against the norm and picked a guard with their high pick, when the norm was to go for centers at the time.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Cleveland Browns Houston Texans Philadelphia Eagles Football