Browns' Deshaun Watson Not Eyeing More Designed Runs: 'I'm Not a Running Back'

Deshaun Watson has struggled in the 2024 season, completing just 57.8 percent of his passes while the Cleveland Browns have limped to an 1-2 start. He doesn't believe utilizing his legs more will help kickstart the stagnant offense, however.

"I'm not going in there to ask them for more designed runs," he told reporters when questioned on the subject. "... If I don't have to run, I'm not going to run. I'm not trying to take any hits. ... I'm not a running quarterback, in a sense. I can make things happen, but I'm not trying to run. I'm not a running back. It's not my specialty. They signed me to throw the ball, make decisions and be a quarterback, not a runner."

The Browns are paying Watson $230 million in fully guaranteed money through the 2026 season to be the quarterback. They also traded three first-round picks (2022-24), a third-rounder in 2023 and a fourth-rounder in 2024 to acquire him from the Houston Texans in the first place.

Thus far, they can't be thrilled with that investment. In fact, early returns suggest it might be one of the worst trades, and extensions, in NFL history.

Through 15 games in Cleveland across parts of three seasons, Watson has thrown for 2,768 yards, 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, taking 53 sacks while completing just 59.3 percent of his passes. The Browns have managed to go 9-6 in his starts, though that can be more accurately attributed to an excellent defense and strong running game.

It's a far cry from the player Watson was in his first four seasons in Houston, where he was a three-time Pro Bowler. And whether it comes from their current quarterback or some other source, the Browns are in desperate need of a spark on offense.

The team is averaging just 248 yards per game (31st in the NFL) and 16.7 points per contest (25th). Watson's QBR (22.5) ranks 30th in the NFL out of 31 qualifying players, above only Carolina's Bryce Young (9.1), who was benched after two games. Watson's quarterback rating of 71.4, meanwhile, ranks 27th.

The Browns, of course, aren't laying the blame solely at Watson's feet.

"It's everybody," head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters Monday after Watson was sacked eight times in a 21-15 loss against the New York Giants on Sunday. "It's from myself, the coaches, the offensive line, tight ends, running backs, wide receivers, quarterbacks. It's everybody. And everybody has a job to do in order to keep the quarterback clean."

Something clearly has to change in Cleveland. It doesn't appear drawing up more running plays for Watson will be among the options.