Deshaun Watson’s difficult chapter with the Cleveland Browns took another dramatic turn Saturday as the quarterback was repeatedly booed by home fans during a 31-7 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Watson, making his first appearance in Cleveland since suffering a torn Achilles in October 2024, said the reaction from Browns supporters felt “disrespectful” and “personal.” The veteran quarterback also remembered that some fans cheered when he suffered the serious injury nearly two years ago.
Deshaun Watson Booed in Cleveland Return
Watson entered the preseason matchup in the second half after Shedeur Sanders started for Cleveland. The home crowd immediately made its feelings known, with boos greeting Watson when he was introduced and continuing throughout his time on the field.
His performance did little to quiet the reaction. Watson completed only 5 of 12 passes for 35 yards and threw an interception over four series. His quarterback rating was 14.6.
The Browns ultimately suffered a 31-7 defeat against Buffalo, adding another difficult moment to Watson’s Cleveland tenure.
Watson said after the game that the booing was not simply connected to his performance and described the reaction as disrespectful.
Watson Remembers 2024 Achilles Injury
The relationship between Watson and Browns fans has been strained for years, and Saturday’s reaction brought back memories of his Achilles injury in 2024.
Watson recalled hearing cheers from some Cleveland supporters when he was carted off the field after tearing his Achilles.
He said that the same fan base had cheered when he was injured, making Saturday’s reaction feel like something beyond criticism of his performance.
For Watson, the latest boos were therefore about more than an unsuccessful preseason outing. He suggested that the hostility he has experienced in Cleveland has become a broader personal issue.
The quarterback also said he feels more support when playing on the road than at home.
Deshaun Watson vs Shedeur Sanders: Browns QB Battle
Watson’s difficult night also comes at a crucial point in Cleveland’s quarterback competition.
The Browns are deciding between Watson and Shedeur Sanders for the starting job. Sanders received the start against Buffalo and delivered a stronger statistical performance.
Sanders completed 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception. He was particularly effective early, completing his first eight attempts before his interception.
Watson, meanwhile, struggled to generate consistent offense after entering the game.
Browns head coach Todd Monken has indicated that the quarterback decision is expected to be made early in the coming week. Cleveland is scheduled to open the regular season against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13.
Watson’s Cleveland Tenure Under Pressure
Watson arrived in Cleveland in 2022 after the Browns traded multiple first-round picks to the Houston Texans. Cleveland then gave him a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, one of the largest commitments ever made to an NFL quarterback.
However, the move has not produced the results the Browns expected.
Watson has dealt with suspension and significant injuries during his Cleveland career, preventing him from completing a full season with the team. His on-field production has also fallen well short of expectations.
Over his four seasons with Cleveland, Watson has recorded 19 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions. The Browns have made the postseason only once during his tenure and lost that playoff game, which Watson missed because of injury.
The Browns’ ownership has previously acknowledged that the decision to acquire Watson has not worked as intended.
What’s Next for Deshaun Watson?
The immediate question is whether Watson will be Cleveland’s starting quarterback when the regular season begins.
His preseason numbers against Buffalo provide little momentum, while Sanders strengthened his case with a more efficient performance. The Browns must now decide whether Watson’s experience and previous NFL success outweigh his recent struggles and the growing frustration among sections of the fan base.
For Watson, the challenge is not simply winning the starting job. He also faces the task of rebuilding his relationship with Cleveland supporters.
His comments after Saturday’s game suggest that the tension remains very real.
“I don’t regret anything in my life,” Watson said. “I think the Lord put me through situations for a reason.”
With the Browns’ quarterback decision approaching, Deshaun Watson remains one of the most closely watched players in Cleveland. His next opportunity could determine both his role for Week 1 and the direction of the franchise’s quarterback situation
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