Let’s take a moment to discuss karma.

Karma is unforgiving. It is relentless. It has existed for ages and does not forget. With a memory like an elephant, it keeps track like Santa Claus. It draws strength from celestial bodies and folly. It can topple empires and ruin the best of plans. Challenge karma, and it will come after you. Disrespect karma, and it will certainly find you.

Welcome to the realm of karma, Deshaun Watson.

Welcome to the realm of karma, Cleveland Browns.

Karma has been lying in wait for you, Mr. Watson. It has been patiently watching, Browns, as your expensive acquisition—an individual accused of numerous sexual misconduct allegations—crumbles under the weight of his own scandals. Watson and the Browns are not merely suffering the consequences of their own actions; they are being struck by karma, which chuckles at their misfortune: did you truly believe you could evade my grasp?

The Browns’ decision to sign Watson, steeped in hubris, is likely to be remembered as one of the most disastrous signings in NFL history. It may even rank as one of the worst contracts in the modern era of American sports.

Why is this the case? The team traded six draft picks, including three first-round selections, to the Texans and awarded Watson a fully guaranteed contract worth $230 million. If they decide to part ways with Watson, the financial implications on their salary cap will be significant.

The more significant concern lies with the draft picks. In 2022, the Browns traded their 2022, 2023, and 2024 first-round picks to Houston. The rationale was that Watson would transform the Browns into Super Bowl contenders, making those picks inconsequential.

However, that has not come to pass. Conversely, those first-round picks could have been the foundation of a successful franchise. While it’s uncertain if the Browns would have made excellent selections, higher draft positions certainly improve the chances.

This situation could have been avoided. Owner Jimmy Haslam stated that the Browns conducted thorough investigations into Watson’s background, convincing themselves that signing him was the right choice. At that time, Watson was facing 22 civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct and assault.

The number of lawsuits should have raised red flags; it indicated that Watson might be significantly troubled. The Browns claimed to have exercised due diligence, but there was no true level of investigation that would have guaranteed their safety. They deceived themselves into thinking they were making a calculated decision, while in reality, they were participating in unpredictable behavior.

They invited karma’s wrath.

Haslam even enlisted his wife to help persuade the public regarding Watson.

“When I came in after the season, I was part of the discussions around our entire roster, especially the quarterback position. As I mentioned, it was tough. It was a process that I needed to come to terms with, and talking to people about Deshaun as an individual and then meeting him helped me feel more at ease,” Dee Haslam said.

Numerous things could have gone awry, and they all did, including an 11-game suspension for breaching the NFL’s personal conduct policy. But a major issue was something the Browns evidently overlooked.

Looking at Watson’s current situation, he has faltered under the scrutiny of these allegations. No one could successfully handle the high-pressure role of an NFL quarterback while simultaneously battling countless lawsuits. No individual in any profession could reasonably perform their duties while facing this type of legal strain.

Additionally, Watson faced yet another lawsuit recently. While that lawsuit was settled, it marked the 27th lawsuit filed against him for sexual misconduct.

That’s a staggering 27 lawsuits.

Watson has struggled to achieve 200 passing yards over the last five games—this is the longest drought of his career. It has been a complete failure.

Some may not subscribe to religious beliefs. We may not believe in a higher power. Instead, we have faith in a universe with forces that are beyond human comprehension. One of those forces is karma.

Karma has wrapped itself around Watson and the Browns. They have earned it.