"I'm bouncin back" - Deshaun Watson sends clear message to haters with $230M contract once again in spotlight

Last off-season, the Cleveland Browns acquired Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson in a blockbuster trade. Cleveland sent Houston their first-round draft picks in 2022, 2023, and 2024, their third-round pick in 2023 and fourth-round picks in 2022 and 2024.

Upon being traded to the Browns, Watson signed a $230 million deal for five years that is fully guaranteed.

After a disappointing season last year, Watson sent a message on his Instagram Sunday night, warning his haters he is going to bounce back in 2023.

"I took a few losses, on MBK I'm bouncin' back‼️"

Deshaun Watson's latest Instagram post

Watson missed the first 11 games of the season, was fined $5 million due to sexual misconduct. He had to complete a treatment program, and undergo evaluations by experts.

Watson played the last six games of the season for the Browns and underperformed.

He went 3-3 while completing a career-low 58.2 percent of passes last season and a career-low 79.1 passer rating. The 27-year-old threw for 1,102 yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions. He rushed for 175 yards and a touchdown.

Many criticized the Browns for paying Watson the deal that they gave him upon acquiring him.

Watson had many ongoing criminal cases, he missed the season prior, and they gave him a big fully-guaranteed contract. His play on the field was another reason, for people to criticize the Browns even more for the deal that they gave him.

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Can Deshaun Watson make the Cleveland Browns a playoff team in 2023?

Deshaun Watson Cleveland Browns v Washington Commanders

Luckily for the Cleveland Browns, they will have Deshaun Watson for the entire 2023 season. Last year, he had to miss 11 games due to his "harassment and sexual misconduct" cases.

Having their franchise quarterback for the entire season may give them a chance to make the post-season. The Browns finished last season 7-10, and were placed last in the highly competitive AFC North.

While having Watson for the entire season next year, the Browns still may not make the post-season.

All three other teams in the AFC North finished with a winning record, with both the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals making the postseason

It will be tough for the Browns to slide into the playoffs with how competitive their division is, but anything is possible in the NFL.

Do you think the Browns will make the playoffs in 2023?