Deshaun Watson’s Browns fate revealed by Kevin Stefanski amid calls for embattled QB to be benched

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 deal with the Browns in 2022, has struggled amid an abysmal 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 slump further to 1-5. 

Watson’s dire performances – which have included a defiant walk-off during Week 5’s loss to the Washington Commanders – have sparked calls for the signal caller to be exiled to the bench. 

However, Stefanski doubled down Monday, insisting that 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, continues to give us the best chance to win,’ claimed Stefanski, much to the dismay of Browns fans. 

Cleveland’s fanbase went into meltdown on social media at the news with many unconvinced by Stefanski’s decision.

‘Blink twice if you think you’re in danger Kevin,’ one fan quipped on X, formerly known as Twitter, suggesting Stefanski’s decision wasn’t of his own volition. 

Others agreed with one adding: ‘Translation: The owners paid a lot for him, and I am not allowed to move on.’

‘”because ownership told me I have to do this or my a** is fired,'” another echoed, imitating the head coach.  

‘That franchise is a joke, such poverty,’ another posted, while a fifth added, ‘What is Kevin Stefanski smoking???’ 

Many NFL fans appeared to be suggesting that the Browns’ motivation for keeping Watson on the field was the off-field headlines the team has had to endure of the past couple of years and the quarterback’s blockbuster contract. 

Watson was traded to the Browns for six draft picks, including three first rounders, in 2022 – despite being sued by more than two dozen female massage therapists for sexual harassment and sexual assault the year before.

Fans were left baffled by the decision with many suggesting it wasn’t the coach’s own

Browns’ owner, Jimmy Haslam, went on to hand Watson a five-year, $230million extension, all of which is guaranteed, in 2022. 

Watson has been embroiled in various court cases over the past three seasons, previously reaching confidential settlements with 20 women over sexual misconduct lawsuits that saw him suspended for 11 NFL games during the 2022 season.

Last month, it was revealed that he is being sued for more than $1million by a new woman, who has accused him of sexually assaulting her in Texas four years ago. Watson ‘strongly denies’ the allegations.

Meanwhile, on the field, bizarre scenes played out during Week 5 when Watson defiantly walked off mid-game. 

Stefanski was left in disbelief at his own quarterback, when Watson left the huddle and made his way to the sidelines during the third quarter.

Down 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 contest.

Moments later, however, Watson was off the field and the Browns had resorted to kicking a field goal.

Watson signed a five-year, $230million extension, all of which is guaranteed, in 2022

Watson had appeared to defy his coach, who removed his headset 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 on his team. 

Later, Stefanski explained that it was a blunder by the Browns that led to Watson leaving the field.

‘We had the wrong amount of people in the huddle, and then at that point, we were just going to kick the field goal,’ he said.