Do you feel better after hearing Jimmy Haslam talk about Deshaun Watson?

The hosts of Afternoon Drive on The Fan return from a break to dissect the latest from Browns ownership, focusing on Jimmy Haslam's recent comments praising Deshaun Watson during Browns Weekend. They express deep skepticism about the organization's apparent reversal in tone—once calling the Watson trade a 'disaster,' now framing him as a 'fresh start' with a 'great chance' to succeed. The hosts argue this shift is not just inconsistent but disrespectful to Cleveland fans who remember the backlash over the trade. They highlight the irony of Haslam’s past honesty being used as a contrast to current messaging that feels like a calculated effort to normalize a controversial move. The discussion dives into the broader implications: whether the Browns are genuinely evaluating Watson or using him as a narrative tool to justify a long-term rebuild, especially with 2026 seemingly irrelevant to their plans. The hosts also critique the national media’s apparent willingness to overlook Watson’s history in favor of narrative convenience, contrasting it with local fans who bear the emotional and reputational cost of the trade. Despite the skepticism, they acknowledge the possibility—however slim—that Watson could start, but only if the current quarterback fails to meet expectations.