Browns' Deshaun Watson Received Death Threat Amid Brutal Career Downturn

Nothing has quite turned out how it was supposed to for Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson since he was dealt from the Houston Texans to Cleveland in 2022 amid a standoff with the team and a litany of sexual assault lawsuits filed against him. 

Watson has dealt with injury after injury, all while being utterly ineffective on the field. He has gone 9-10 as the Browns' QB, with a passer rating of 80.7. His 2024 season ended with a torn Achilles tendon. He tore the tendon again this month and had a second surgery to repair it. 

Watson's difficult year included receiving a death threat, according to Jason Lloyd of The Athletic.

"For three years, the Browns contorted themselves to match Watson’s strengths and desires. But teammates ultimately grew tired of the organization catering to an ineffective quarterback, and he never really fit in Cleveland. He received at least one death threat," Lloyd wrote this week. 

"Off the field, Watson spent the year dealing with traumatic personal matters. His agent, David Mulugheta, received a disturbing email in June from someone threatening to shoot Watson or burn down his house, according to a police report obtained by 'The Athletic.'" Lloyd noted. "Police later closed the investigation with no suspects identified."

The Browns, as part of the trade, gave Watson the biggest contract guarantee in NFL history, worth $230 million.

The Browns enter the offseason with only Watson and backup Dorian Thompson-Robinson on the roster at the quarterback position. After Watson reinjured his Achilles, the team said he will likely miss significant time next season.

Cleveland has the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.