The Cleveland Browns might have a full quarterback room, but Deshaun Watson, the one name they need on the field, still isn’t close to being ready.
Watson is still recovering from a second Achilles surgery and has been limited throughout the offseason. And while there’s been some buzz that he could return by October, Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot isn’t buying it.
Yes, Watson showed up at minicamp. And yes, he’s reportedly been throwing indoors with guys like Jerry Jeudy and David Bell. But Cabot is clear: fans shouldn’t expect to see him under center anytime soon.
“Some sources said he might be ready to practice by October,” Cabot told 92.3 The Fan’s Baskin & Phelps,
“But I think it’s an enormous long shot for Deshaun Watson to see the field at all this year.”
Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Cabot said that while Watson is optimistic, the team will likely take a very cautious approach, especially with four other quarterbacks already on the depth chart.
Browns’ owner admits Deshaun Watson deal was a costly mistake
If that wasn’t enough drama, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam recently came out and said what a lot of people have been thinking: the team’s massive investment in Watson hasn’t paid off.
“A big swing and a miss,” Haslam reportedly said of the deal that brought Watson to Cleveland.
Cleveland Browns Deshaun Watson
Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson talks with coach Kevin Stefanski after minicamp on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, in Canton.
The Browns gave Watson a fully guaranteed 5-year, $230 million contract—the largest of its kind when signed. The goal was to turn the page on years of mediocrity and bring real playoff success to Cleveland. Instead, it’s been injuries, off-field controversy, and unanswered questions.
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, center, poses for a portrait with general manager Andrew Berry, left, and coach Kevin Stefanski during Watson’s introductory news conference on March 26, 2022, at the Browns training facility in Berea.
And now, with two years left on that deal, the Browns are staring down the barrel of what could be a massive long-term cap problem. Add in a potential NFLPA grievance related to Watson’s situation, and this saga is far from over.
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