Browns legend has advice for Deshaun Watson: ‘Go out and play better football

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) attempts to throw a pass during day 12 of training camp, Aug. 11, 2026, in Berea, Ohio. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co

While QB Deshaun Watson thinks that the fans of the Cleveland Browns boo him for personal reasons , many (but not all) would have been fine cheering him if he had lived up to the price the team paid to acquire him . A Top 10 quarterback would not have wasted great years from DE Myles Garrett , OL Joel Bitonio , and recently retired RB Nick Chubb .

Instead, Watson has either played like one of the worst quarterbacks in the NFL or missed significant time due to the suspension he earned and multiple injuries. Heading into the final non-void year of his contract, Watson has one more chance to earn his paycheck and, potentially, earn some kind of respect from the Browns fan base.

What does he have to do? According to Cleveland legend and Hall of Famer Joe Thomas , he just needs to “play better football” on the field (3:16 mark):

💻 @joethomas73 The #DawgPound legend has been calling Cleveland preseason games and told us what he's seen from Deshaun Watson so far in 2026: #NFL pic.twitter.com/YWYRf7eNOZ

— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) August 25, 2026

Thomas also spent time lauding the great Browns fan base.

Do you agree with Thomas that Watson playing better football would lead to cheers from the fans or has that ship sailed after his recent press conference?

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