Deshaun Watson Is Open About The Prospects For The Browns
Deshaun Watson has full faith in Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry when it comes to taking care of the Nets and adding talent this offseason.
On paper, the Browns are in a precarious situation. Over the Cap is priced at $19.6 million in red and brown. However, Cleveland is expected to make some moves this offseason, with restructuring and extensions that will provide some flexibility. Watson made it clear that the Browns want to pursue a high-quality wide receiver to pair with Amari Cooper. He made public comments about Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. Watson doubled Higgins and every other high-end receiver on the latest edition of “QB Unplugged” with Quincy Avery.
“Of course I want tea. Hell, I want all the best receivers I can get,” Watson said on the Feb. 2 live show. But at the end of the day, I only throw out small grains. Who knows what will happen? I have no control over it and no choice.”
Shortly after this announcement, Watson expressed confidence in Berry’s long-term plans. “Everything is planned. “If you really listen to Andrew Berry, he’ll tell you the game plan and the plan,” Watson said. “We know exactly what we’re going to do for the next five years, to be honest.”
Browns not worried about Deshaun Watson’s contract
One of the biggest moves the Browns can make this offseason is restructuring Watson’s contract. He will make $63.9 million in each of the next three seasons. Cleveland could free up about $33 million in cap space by restructuring Watson’s contract.
It’s on the table, but Berry isn’t ready to talk about it yet. “Honestly, we’re not there yet,” Berry told The Athletic’s Zach Jackson. “It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to cut it, but it depends on how you plan.”
Watson is Berry’s biggest bet. The Browns gave up three first-round picks to acquire Watson and gave him a guaranteed $230 million contract. Over two seasons, Watson played in 12 games and his play on the field was inconsistent. Berry said he feels “good” for Watson, but his health is his priority going forward.
“We feel good for Deshaun,” Berry said. “I think the most important thing is to stay on the field and leave on the field. Every year we try to self-assess as much as possible in every part of our operations. So whether it’s a good year or a bad year, (we) will always do what we think is better to some extent. But we’re especially excited when it comes to Deshaun. “We want to make sure it’s healthy.”
Deshaun Watson returns from injury.
Watson played in just six games last season and missed playing time due to two shoulder injuries. He is currently recovering from season-ending shoulder surgery on Nov. 21. Watson is expected to be on the field for training camp and most of the Browns’ offseason practices.
“The ground work will take another four to five weeks,” Watson said in late January. “And at least another three weeks. So around month 3 or 4 she started throwing up… so I would say April. If all goes well, I hope to make it in the spring. “We’ll see as we get closer to that point,” he said.
Watson passed for 2,217 yards, 14 touchdowns and 9 interceptions with the Browns.
