BREAKING NEWS: Browns coach is in danger…
The future success of the Cleveland Browns depends on Deshaun Watson.
Ohio’s BEREA Jimmy Haslam, owner of the Cleveland Browns, was one of the first people out of the Houston visitors’ locker room. He and his son-in-law, JW Johnson, the executive vice president of the Texans, strolled into the stadium tunnel while he shoved his hand through his hair.
The last time the Browns traded three first-round draft selections to Houston in exchange for quarterback Deshaun Watson was almost two years ago. Haslam then granted Watson a five-year contract extension worth an NFL record $230 million fully guaranteed as part of the blockbuster exchange. The Texans were getting rebuilt. Cleveland was throwing caution to the wind in an attempt to win its first-ever Super Bowl. However, in this AFC wild-card round, Houston and its new franchise quarterback—a guaranteed NFL Rookie—
Watson has only appeared in 11 games for the Browns since the deal. The NFL’s personal conduct policy was violated by him in 2022, resulting in an 11-game suspension. This happened after over two dozen women accused him of inappropriate behavior during massage sessions and sexual assault. Watson then struggled with two separate right shoulder ailments in 2023, the latest of which necessitated surgery in November to terminate the season.
The Browns were the most expensive club in the NFL in 2023, mostly as a result of the Watson deal. Additionally, they could be there for some time to come. Even yet, it’s still unclear what the Browns have in Watson after two seasons and if he can lead Cleveland to a lengthy postseason run in a stacked AFC.
Kevin Stefanski seemed to be under pressure heading into the season with consecutive losing records. It appeared that his ability to keep his position depended on Watson performing at a high level. Rather, Stefanski managed to keep the Browns playing at a high level despite a number of important players suffering season-ending injuries, such as Watson, Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb (knee), offensive tackles Jack Conklin (knee), Dawand Jones (knee), and Delpit (groin).
With 11 regular season victories, Cleveland equaled for the most the team has had since 1986. Several players told ESPN that the Browns were able to weather and overcome a great deal thanks to the “next-man-up” mentality that even-keeled Stefanski ingrained throughout his four seasons as coach.
The Browns have more work ahead of them. This summer, they’ll undoubtedly be searching for a new playmaker to support Watson and the offense. In order to retain the core of the squad, Berry will also need to restructure contracts creatively. Next season, the AFC won’t be any simpler either, as Stroud will be joining a quarterback group that includes Trevor Lawrence, Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, Tua Tagovailoa, Joe Burrow, and previous MVPs Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson. With the exception of Allen, the Browns’ 2024 regular season opponents will include Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles and Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys.
The Browns need Watson to play like a top quarterback once more, not just for a half here and there, if they want to actually compete.
In order to support Watson the following season, Berry stated that he would “absolutely love” to have Flacco back. Flacco has also shown interest in going back. However, Berry also made a comparison between the current scenario and that of Jacoby Brissett, who started the 11 games Watson was suspended for in 2022 before leaving Cleveland for the Washington Commanders during the previous offseason.
Cleveland’s prospects essentially depend on Watson, who hasn’t spoken to the media since before having the shoulder surgery, regardless of what happens with Flacco.
With Flacco, the Browns were a great tale. They also turned out to be among the most resilient teams in the league, thanks to Stefanski.
