Over the past few years, Deshaun Watson’s $230 million contract has been a sore subject for Cleveland Browns fans. Injuries and missed games only gave them more reason to question the deal, but his recent play has started to win back some of those critics.

The Browns are 5-2 and sitting atop the AFC North with Watson under center. Former Browns All-Pro Joe Haden, however, still has questions about the money the team committed to him.

Joe Haden Revisits Deshaun Watson’s $230 Million Browns Contract

Speaking on the “Deebo & Joe” podcast, Haden made it clear he has no issue with Watson securing a massive payday. His issue was that the Browns paid him for the success he enjoyed with the Houston Texans, only to see him fall short of those expectations after arriving in Cleveland.

“It’s no disrespect to Deshaun Watson. I want him to be able to get as much money as he possibly can… But with the Browns, your play hasn’t been that exceeding,” Haden said. “He already owes us $180 million because we didn’t get that [level of] play we were expecting from him.”

Watson’s 2026 season has given Cleveland some reason to reconsider his future. Under head coach Todd Monken, he has helped guide the Browns to a 5-2 record through seven games.

The quarterback ranks No. 24 with a PFN QB Impact Score of 70.0, completing 136 of 210 passes for 1,482 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions. He has also added 215 rushing yards and a touchdown on 48 carries. His late-game play has been especially important, with five fourth-quarter game-winning drives.

That turnaround has also changed the conversation around Shedeur Sanders, who was previously viewed as a possible alternative under center. Even so, Haden believes moving on from Watson could free up money for younger players and other roster needs.

The former All-Pro specifically mentioned Sanders as someone who could thrive with the right coach and supporting cast. He also brought up rookie quarterback Taylen Green, praising his speed.

“We still haven’t seen Shedeur with the [right] weapons and a coach who has his back. Now, we got Taylen Green too. Dude’s fast, young,” Haden said.

Haden then explained why he believes moving on from Watson could give Cleveland more flexibility to bring in another impact player.

“If we get him gone, we can pay $40 million to another baller to get them onto this team,” he added.

As things stand, however, the Browns are finally in a strong position after years of struggling. The team’s higher-ups will likely want to keep things moving in the right direction rather than make a major change at quarterback.

Watson faces a key test against the 5-2 Pittsburgh Steelers on the road this Sunday, with first place in the AFC North at stake.