How Did Deshaun Watson Feel With C.J. Stroud Becoming the Texans’ Fresh Star?

Deshaun Watson discussed rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has taken over the starting quarterback position he previously held with the Houston Texans in just one season.

In 2022, the Browns traded for quarterback Deshaun Watson, believing they had finally found their franchise quarterback after a two-decade search. While the franchise awaits full investment returns from trade partner Watson, Houston has already chosen a capable successor.

C.J. Stroud, an Ohio State product, had a breakout rookie season in the NFL. The second overall choice accumulated 4,108 yards, the third most by a rookie in NFL history, with 23 touchdowns and only five interceptions. He also led the league in touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Just last week, Stroud blasted Watson’s new squad for 274 yards and three touchdowns in a 45-14 victory in the NFL Wild Card round of the playoffs. Watson was on the Browns sideline to witness it all firsthand. But did seeing a new, young prodigy claim the place he previously held leave Watson with a bitter taste in his mouth?

Former Panthers quarterback Cam Newton appeared on the QB Unplugged podcast, hosted by Watson’s quarterback coach Quincy Avery, to provide his thoughts on the situation in Houston.

Watson replied, “Honestly, nah, it doesn’t bother me.”

After Newton mentioned that the humanistic side can sometimes take over, Watson said, “Nah, I’m not even that type of dude. I’m not even the type of guy to sit there and spew hatred, because I’ve been there, you know? I won the wild card game.

“It did not go our way. Business is business, so we parted ways. But seeing C.J. and how you were with me – we trained together, I stepped up – C.J. was the same way. When I was in California with Q (Quincy Avery), he was right there with us. We have the same agency.”

Watson appears to have no ill will toward the rookie quarterback, even accepting what he calls a “big brother role” with him. Despite taking down Watson’s Browns, Stroud appears to be a fan of his work.

“From day one, I’ve always been like – right when he got drafted – take over H-town, it’s your city now, anything you need, you got it.”

Watson played the first four years of his career in Houston before being traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2022. In his final season, he topped the league in passing with 4,823 yards. After serving an 11-game suspension for off-field misconduct in connection with more than 20 sexual assault charges against him during his first year with the Browns, the Clemson product appeared in only six games for Cleveland.

He began the 2023 season hoping to get off to a fast start, but multiple shoulder problems, including a glenoid fracture in his throwing shoulder, caused him to finish the season on injured reserve. In two seasons with the Browns, Watson has completed 59% of his passes for 2,217 yards, 14 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 12 starts.

Earlier in the episode of QB Unplugged, Avery promised that Watson would come back stronger next season and that his shoulder was “getting right.” Watson also stated that he is “hearing everything and seeing everything,” but he is “working.”

At his season-ending press conference, head coach Kevin Stefanski voiced confidence that Watson will be ready for spring practice.