New Report Sheds Light on Deshaun Watson-Kevin Stefanski Browns Feud
The Cleveland Browns had a disastrous 2024 NFL season, finishing with a 3-14 record and sparking significant reflection within the organization. While securing the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft was a silver lining, it also highlighted the team’s struggles and the need for change in several areas. Although head coach Kevin Stefanski will likely keep his job, the offense is already seeing major adjustments, with Tommy Rees replacing Ken Dorsey as offensive coordinator.
One of the key issues facing the Browns this season was the performance of quarterback Deshaun Watson, whose struggles have cast a shadow over the team’s future. Watson, who suffered another Achilles injury, may not be ready to start the 2025 season, further complicating the Browns’ quarterback situation. However, a recent report from Jason Lloyd of The Athletic reveals that the tension between Watson and Stefanski goes far beyond injuries.
According to Lloyd, Watson actively resisted Stefanski’s offensive system, which was designed around the wide zone play-action scheme that worked successfully under Gary Kubiak and Mike Shanahan. Instead of adapting to this system, Watson insisted that the offense should be tailored to his preferences, particularly wanting to operate out of the shotgun formation, while Stefanski preferred Watson to be under center to maximize the play-action game.
This clash of philosophies became a major obstacle for the Browns’ offense. Despite the team’s efforts to accommodate Watson, including the hire of Ken Dorsey as offensive coordinator, the season was a failure. The Browns’ offense was inefficient, and Watson’s inability to adapt to Stefanski’s system further exacerbated the team’s problems.
The report only adds to the growing list of issues surrounding Watson’s time in Cleveland. Fans have long been frustrated with his performance and the tension between him and Stefanski. Given the continued struggles and the strained relationship between the quarterback and head coach, it seems increasingly likely that the Deshaun Watson era in Cleveland is coming to an end. The Browns will need to make tough decisions this offseason to move forward and rebuild their team around a new identity.
