2 years, 4 months ago

Where does NFL’s Deshaun Watson appeal leave Browns? Reality and the Jimmy Garoppolo question

Two days after the Cleveland Browns were informed that quarterback Deshaun Watson would serve a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, the NFL appealed the decision made by independent arbitrator and former federal judge Sue L. Robinson. The Browns at this point must brace for Watson to miss all — or at least much — of the 2022 season, so while there are few realistic quarterback options at this point, the team’s decision-makers must talk through every potential scenario and outcome. Even if Watson can’t play, the Browns are expecting a busy and productive season from wide receiver Amari Cooper, who was acquired in a trade six days before the deal for Watson. The Browns’ aggressive and expensive offseason that started with trades for Watson and Cooper also included new contracts for Clowney, Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward and tight end David Njoku.

Play Season Quarterback Nfl Brissett Robinson Browns Watson Decision This Point Garoppolo Stefanski Clowney Reps leave deshaun reality quarterback brissett season browns reps does garoppolo decision watson nfls question nfl teams play jimmy

History of this topic

2 weeks, 3 days ago

La NFL concluye investigación contra el quarterback de los Browns, Deshaun Watson

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — La NFL cerró una investigación sobre las acusaciones de agresión sexual contra el quarterback de los Cleveland Browns, Deshaun Watson, quien terminará la temporada en la reserva de lesionados por segundo año consecutivo. El jugador de 29 años, sufrió una ruptura del tendón de Aquiles que terminó su temporada en octubre y ha estado rehabilitando la lesión con …

2 weeks, 3 days ago

NFL ends investigation into sexual assault allegations against Browns QB Deshaun Watson

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The NFL has closed an investigation into sexual assault allegations against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is ending the season on injured reserve for the second year in a row. The Browns still owe Watson $46 million in each of the next two seasons after they traded three first-round picks to Houston and signed him to a …

1 month, 3 weeks ago

Browns' Decision on Watson: Eye-Opening Test for the Offense

Associated Press

Browns' decision on Watson is difficult due to circumstances but obvious to the eye test. The blockbuster trade for Watson in 2022 is among the worst in NFL history. Giving him an unprecedented, fully guaranteed $230 million, five-year contract was even worse. With Watson, the Browns are 9-10. Without him, coach Kevin Stefanski is 30-26 overall and twice has been …

1 month, 3 weeks ago

Browns' Winston Stepping Up, Lifting Spirits in Emotional Comeback Against Ravens

Associated Press

QB Jameis Winston's impressive debut gives the Cleveland Browns hope for a turnaround season. Winston threw three touchdown passes and for 334 yards, showcasing his potential to lead the team to success. His performance has fans believing that he can be the answer to Cleveland's QB woes. Despite some missed opportunities, Winston's presence brings light and excitement to a team …

Ravens vs. Browns: Jackson's Domination, Watson's Absence Highlight Battle in AFC North

Associated Press

The Ravens and Browns meet again in a clash of contrasting styles. Lamar Jackson shines for the Ravens, while Deshaun Watson's absence creates a significant challenge for the Browns. The game will be a test of offense against defense, with both teams vying for the division title. Jackson's dual-threat ability and Henry's explosive running will be a major factor in …

2 months ago

Browns to start QB Jameis Winston vs. Ravens after Deshaun Watson injury

New York Times

By Dianna Russini, Zac Jackson and Alex Andrejev The Cleveland Browns will start quarterback Jameis Winston for Sunday’s matchup against the AFC North-leading Baltimore Ravens, coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Wednesday Cleveland is 1-6 and dropped its last five straight games, including a 21-14 loss Sunday to the Cincinnati Bengals. The team suffered multiple quarterback injuries in that contest — starter …

2 months ago

Browns Sign Bailey Zappe to Replace Deshaun Watson on Practice Squad

Associated Press

The Cleveland Browns are signing QB Bailey Zappe from Kansas City's practice squad to provide some protection behind their starting quarterback, Deshaun Watson. Zappe has started eight games for the Chiefs over the past two seasons and gives the Browns some much-needed stability at the quarterback position.

2 months, 1 week ago

Deshaun Watson and a Browns escape plan (once they finally admit it’s over): Sando’s Pick Six

New York Times

Before we sort through end-of-season Deshaun Watson exit strategies for the Cleveland Browns, let’s make one thing clear: Watson remains the starting quarterback. Watson’s EPA per pass play ranks 590th out of 592 quarterbacks who started the first six games of a season since 2000, per TruMedia. GO DEEPER Chargers' Jim Harbaugh returns to sideline vs. Broncos after early exit …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Deshaun Watson under siege as QB’s dismal play leads to criticism, calls for benching

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson is taking hits from all sides, and not just on the field. “At this position, no one’s perfect,” Watson said of the criticism. “No one’s going to always make the right read, so you can nick and pick one play here and there, but I think it’s the body of work of the whole game.” …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Deshaun Watson says he deserves blame after Browns drop to 1-3

Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — For the second straight week, the Cleveland Browns had multiple opportunities in the fourth quarter to rally for a win, but fell short. Quarterback Deshaun Watson said to put the blame on him after Cleveland blew an early 10-0 lead and lost 20-16 to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. “If I’m gonna be the quarterback of …

3 months ago

After improving on the road, Deshaun Watson and the Browns return home to face winless Giants

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson walked off the field following a dreadful home opener two weeks ago with a towel covering his head, looking as if he was trying to hide. A much better performance last week in a 18-13 win at Jacksonville boosted Watson’s confidence as the Browns prepare to host the New York Giants on Sunday. “All of us.” …

3 months, 1 week ago

Browns and Jaguars looking to rebound from Week 1 debacles and offensive woes

Associated Press

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Cleveland and Jacksonville would love a Week 1 do-over. “You fix the mistakes,” said Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who didn’t play in the preseason. “We don’t like having this feeling of having to bounce back,” Jaguars tight end Evan Engram said. That’s kind of our motto: we’re going to respond to it and we’re going to attack …

3 months, 1 week ago

Deshaun Watson denies sexual assault allegations, says lawsuit was a surprise. Plans to play Sunday

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Just one game in, Deshaun Watson’s third season with the Browns is already headed in a bad direction. “I haven’t heard anything,” Watson said before practice. I’m not aware of that.” Watson’s appearance on the dais came about an hour after his attorney, Rusty Hardin, released a statement saying the QB “strongly denies” the claims in the …

3 months, 1 week ago

NFL investigating lawsuit filed against Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, accused of sexual assault

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson is again under a spotlight away from the field. The NFL said Tuesday it is investigating the latest civil lawsuit filed against the Cleveland Browns quarterback for an alleged sexual assault that took place in 2020 while he played for Houston. It’s not known if Watson disclosed the newest allegation to the league — or the …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson accused of sexual assault by Texas woman in 2020 incident

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson has been accused of sexual assault in a new civil lawsuit brought by a woman who alleges the Cleveland Browns quarterback forced himself on her four years ago when he played with Houston. It’s the latest legal entanglement for Watson, who settled 23 of 24 lawsuits against him in 2022 after two dozen women accused him …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Deshaun Watson’s shaky performance in opener heightens concerns whether QB can deliver for Browns

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson didn’t flinch last week when asked if he still considers himself one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. Watson didn’t even look average — never mind elite — on Sunday w ith a ragged performance in the season opener that has only heightened the belief that the Browns made a colossal mistake in signing him to a …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Deshaun Watson has rough return in first game since surgery as Browns thumped 33-17 by Cowboys

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Lying face down in the grass, Deshaun Watson couldn’t see another of his passes sail out of bounds. Watson didn’t look comfortable from the start in his first game since breaking a bone in his right shoulder in November as the Cleveland Browns were blasted 33-17 in their season opener by the Dallas Cowboys. Watson spent much of …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

QB Deshaun Watson makes return from shoulder injury as Browns open season at home against Cowboys

Associated Press

Dallas at Cleveland Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EDT, Fox. The NFL’s reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year is hoping to build off his most dominant season as a pro — if possible — and get the Browns to their first Super Bowl. … WR Brandin Cooks has been limited by a knee injury in the preseason but figures to play.. …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns need the best version of Deshaun Watson if they want to reach their ceiling

New York Times

The Cleveland Browns chose to unveil their new stadium naming rights deal on Tuesday. But it’s fair to think if the Browns remain mostly healthy and get strong play from Watson, they can probably reach their high ceiling. No matter how many times the Browns restructure the cap numbers on Watson’s contract, every dollar remains fully guaranteed. Soon, we’ll see …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns release QB Tyler Huntley, leaving them with 3. Deshaun Watson’s contract reworked for 2024

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — The Browns threw away one of their quarterbacks. Cleveland released quarterback Tyler Huntley on Thursday, leaving them with three QBs heading into the season after they were forced to start five in 2023 amid a rash of injuries at the position. Huntley threw three touchdown passes last week in Cleveland’s exhibition finale. The Browns will head into …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns counting on Deshaun Watson’s return from shoulder surgery to build on playoff berth in 2023

Associated Press

CLEVELAND BROWNS EXPECTATIONS: Riding the NFL’s top-ranked defense, the Browns made the playoffs last season despite a rash of injuries at quarterback only to get blown out by Houston 45-14 in the wild-card round. Their chances to go further could hinge on QB Deshaun Watson’s health after he was limited to just six starts before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. NEW …

3 months, 4 weeks ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson sits out preseason finale after dealing with sore arm earlier in week

Associated Press

Deshaun Watson’s return to the field won’t happen until the games count. The Cleveland quarterback was held out of the Browns’ preseason finale Saturday night at Seattle. Coach Kevin Stefanski had planned to play Watson in the preseason finale but instead decided to take a cautious approach with the franchise QB. “I’ve seen a lot from him and really that …

4 months ago

Browns enter make-or-break 3rd season with QB Deshaun Watson following suspension, shoulder injury

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson was supposed to be the one, the missing piece to return Cleveland’s forlorn franchise to fame. On the eve of a make-or-break third season in Cleveland, there are lingering questions and even some doubts about whether Watson, who has only played 12 games in the past four years due to an NFL suspension in 2022 and …

4 months, 1 week ago

Deshaun Watson will play in Browns’ preseason finale at Seattle. QB on track to start season opener

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson’s next start has been penciled in. Cleveland’s quarterback, who hasn’t played in a game since breaking his shoulder in November at Baltimore, is scheduled to play in the Browns’ preseason finale on Aug. 24 in Seattle. Watson did not play in the Browns’ exhibition opener against Green Bay last weekend and will be held out of …

4 months, 1 week ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson cleared for contact, but will sit out 2nd straight preseason game

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson has been cleared for contact to his surgically repaired shoulder, but he’ll sit out his second straight preseason game when Cleveland hosts Minnesota this week. Watson spent Saturday night’s preseason opener against Green Bay on the sideline as the Browns were beaten 23-10 by the Packers. However, on a Zoom call Sunday, coach …

4 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns’ Deshaun Watson sitting out preseason opener as he continues recovery from shoulder surgery

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson might be ready to play. Watson will sit out Cleveland’s exhibition opener on Saturday against the Green Bay Packers as the team continues to take a cautious approach after the quarterback underwent right shoulder surgery in November. Earlier in camp, Watson said he’s feeling healthy and is aiming this season to “block out noise.” The Browns …

4 months, 3 weeks ago

Quarterback QB Deshaun Watson aiming to block out ‘noise’ after 2 turbulent seasons for Browns

Associated Press

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — Deshaun Watson has shifted into self-protection mode. Cleveland’s contentious quarterback, who has played just 12 games the past two seasons due to an NFL suspension followed by a shoulder fracture that required major surgery, said Friday that he’s worked on a new approach as he enters a critical Year 3 with the Browns. So, sometimes …

6 months, 3 weeks ago

Packers’ Christian Watson believes he’s found answers for recurring hamstring woes

New York Times

GREEN BAY — The Packers don’t have a wide receiver who has established himself as a bonafide No. I just gotta continue to build on that and continue to get that strength up … I definitely feel like I’m at 100 percent in terms of what I’m able to do on the football field right now.” Christian Watson grabs his …

7 months ago

Browns QB Watson ‘looks like himself,’ rotating days throwing as he recovers from shoulder surgery

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson handled all his quarterbacking duties flawlessly on Wednesday except for the most important one. While following a prescribed recovery plan, Cleveland’s quarterback took a day off from passing as he recovers from right shoulder surgery in November that ended his second season with the Browns after just six starts. He’s making great progress and we …

8 months ago

Browns’ draft still affected by Deshaun Watson trade. Team without first-round pick for 3rd year

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The NFL draft used to be a major event in Cleveland, viewed as a springtime Super Bowl for a team that’s never been to one. The team’s franchise-shifting trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson two years ago has once again made the three-day draft almost an afterthought. The team’s massive investment into Watson affects every move the Browns make, …

9 months, 2 weeks ago

Jerry Jeudy is traded from Broncos to Browns for fifth and sixth-round pick... giving embattled quarterback Deshaun Watson little excuse not to succeed in Cleveland

Daily Mail

Jerry Jeudy's arrival in Cleveland should boost the Browns' passing attack The Broncos have agreed to send Jerry Jeudy to the Browns - giving Cleveland's passing attack another big weapon. Jerry Jeudy has been traded to the Browns for a pair of late-round picks He posted 758 receiving yards last season for Denver, along with two TD receptions His best …

11 months ago

Browns GM says he would ‘absolutely love’ to re-sign Flacco, even as Watson’s backup

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Joe Flacco’s short, surprising stint with the Browns could lead to a second season in Cleveland — maybe as Deshaun Watson’s backup. General manager Andrew Berry said Monday that he would “absolutely love” to re-sign the 39-year-old Flacco, who went 4-1 as a starter and helped the Browns make the playoffs after Watson suffered a season-ending shoulder …

11 months, 1 week ago

Browns’ surprise season crashes in playoffs, but team convinced future bright with healthy QB Watson

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — With a wild-card blowout win secured, Houston’s rowdy crowd let loose, serenading rookie quarterback C.J. On Saturday, the team’s inspiring run to the AFC playoffs despite losing Watson with a fractured shoulder in November, plugging holes all season because of numerous injuries to key players and rolling behind 38-year-old QB Joe Flacco over the final month, ended with …

11 months, 1 week ago

Browns coach confident Deshaun Watson will be ‘ready to roll’ after season-ending shoulder surgery

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson’s first two seasons with the Browns have been short, underwhelming and incomplete. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Sunday he’s still confident Watson will bounce back from a shoulder injury that limited him this season and become the elite quarterback Cleveland mortgaged its future to get. “We all know what he’s capable of and we’re excited …

1 year ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson says right shoulder rehab on track following season-ending surgery

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson’s season ended last month. “But I’m very supportive, and the guys got to keep rolling because they’re on fire right now.” Watson got hurt in the first half of a Nov. 12 game at Baltimore. Until then, I’m just going to follow every rules and every precaution they want me to follow.” After the surgery, Watson …

1 year, 1 month ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson has shoulder surgery. Team expects full recovery before start of ’24 season

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson had surgery Tuesday in Los Angeles to repair a fracture in his right shoulder, an injury that ended his second season in Cleveland after just nine games. The Browns said shoulder specialist Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the surgery to fix the displaced fracture of Watson’s right glenoid. The 28-year-old will begin rehab later this …

1 year, 1 month ago

Analysis: Giving Deshaun Watson $230 million guaranteed has become a disaster for the Browns

Associated Press

On Football analyzes the biggest topics in the NFL from week to week. ___ Giving Deshaun Watson a fully guaranteed $230 million contract has turned into another disaster for the Cleveland Browns. But I’m going to be working with some great doctors and great staff that dealt with this process before with a lot of professional baseball guys and make …

$Browns lose QB Deshaun Watson for rest of season with shoulder fracture; rookie starting vs Steelers$

1 year, 1 month ago

Browns lose QB Deshaun Watson for rest of season with shoulder fracture; rookie starting vs Steelers

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson felt blindsided by the injury — as did the Browns. “It’s tough to try to wrap everything around my head right now.” Browns general manage Andrew Berry said the fracture is not related to the strained rotator cuff that Watson sustained earlier this season and kept him off the field for almost four full games. …

1 year, 1 month ago

Jackson: Following Deshaun Watson injury, Browns’ season in danger of turning sour

New York Times

BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns players said the right things Wednesday. But what Cleveland was starting to assemble with half a season left was built around Watson’s getting healthy, more comfortable and eventually being what this version of the Browns has never had. In Watson’s six games, the Browns were averaging 5.1 yards per play. Dobbs has gone on to …

1 year, 1 month ago

Watson rallies Browns from 14 down in 4th to 33-31 win over Ravens, tightening AFC North

Associated Press

BALTIMORE — The Cleveland Browns have received a lot of ridicule for the massive contract they gave Deshaun Watson last year. Watson completed every pass he threw after halftime, and Cleveland made all the important plays down the stretch, rallying from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Ravens 33-31 on Sunday. “That’s something that would have been very valuable …

1 year, 1 month ago

Packers’ Jordan Love-Christian Watson connection continues to disappoint

New York Times

PITTSBURGH — In a four-game span from weeks 10 to 13 last season, Christian Watson caught 15 passes for 313 yards and seven touchdowns. According to ESPN Stats & Info, half of quarterback Jordan Love’s 10 interceptions through nine games have come targeting Watson, including two in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 23-19 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. “There’s people …

1 year, 1 month ago

Deshaun Watson throws 2 TD passes in return from shoulder injury, Browns demolish Cardinals 27-0

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson reared back and in one motion signaled his return. After waiting weeks for Watson’s right shoulder to get stronger, Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper knew in an instant that Cleveland’s quarterback was back. “If he wasn’t feeling good, he wouldn’t have thrown the ball deep,” said Cooper, who hauled in Watson’s pass in the first quarter …

1 year, 2 months ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson practices after missing 2 games with a shoulder injury; could face Colts

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson was limited in practice Thursday. Simply his return to the field was welcomed by the Browns, who have spent the past few weeks in a sometimes awkward limbo as they waited for him to return from an injury Watson described as “tricky.” Watson explained he has some small tears in his rotator cuff and said …

1 year, 2 months ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson still out with right shoulder injury, can’t put timeline on return to field

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson’s return is either imminent, a day or two away or not happening for another few weeks. Dealing with a “tricky” injury he described as a strain — and not a bruise as previously reported by the team — to the rotator cuff in his right shoulder, Watson, who has already missed two games, said Wednesday …

1 year, 2 months ago

Browns rookie QB Thompson-Robinson has brutal NFL debut filling in for injured Deshaun Watson

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s strong training camp and preseason persuaded the Browns to install the rookie as Deshaun Watson’s backup. With Watson sidelined by a bruised right throwing shoulder, Thompson-Robinson made his NFL debut and looked overwhelmed and overmatched throughout Cleveland’s 28-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. But after a 10-minute pregame workout watched closely by head trainer Joe Sheehan, …

1 year, 2 months ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson is questionable to play against the Ravens amid shoulder soreness

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson watched most of practice from the sideline Friday. Coach Kevin Stefanski said he’s “hopeful” Watson will be healthy enough to go. “He knows his body, so that’s why I’m hopeful.” Fifth-round draft pick Dorian Thompson-Robinson would start if Watson doesn’t. “It’s just the life of a backup.” Watson threw just a couple of passes Friday before …

1 year, 2 months ago

Deshaun Watson questionable vs. Ravens, but Browns’ Stefanski ‘hopeful’ he’ll play

New York Times

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is questionable to play Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens because of an injury to his throwing shoulder, but coach Kevin Stefanski said he’s “hopeful” his starting QB will play. This week’s limited throwing for Watson is considered to be cautionary and the Browns are optimistic he plays, a team source said. The Browns finish this …

1 year, 2 months ago

Seven Browns thoughts: Amari Cooper delivering as Deshaun Watson’s go-to receiver

New York Times

Taking one last look at the Cleveland Browns’ 27-3 domination of the Tennessee Titans. Amari Cooper was Watson’s go-to guy in that game, as he is now — and certainly was versus the Titans. In that Washington game last season, Watson made two of his best throws in a Browns uniform: a bullet to David Njoku to set up a …

1 year, 3 months ago

Browns expecting big things with Deshaun Watson on field from start after suspension-altered season

Associated Press

CLEVELAND BROWNS EXPECTATIONS: Everything hinges on QB Deshaun Watson, who begins his first full on-field season with Cleveland after serving an 11-game NFL suspension in 2022 following accusations by more than two dozen women of sexual harassment when he played in Houston. NEW FACES: WR Elijah Moore, DE Za’Darius Smith, S Juan Thornhill, DT Dalvin Tomlinson, DT Shelby Harris, Defensive …

1 year, 3 months ago

Deshaun Watson leads the Browns to a pair of TDs in a 33-32 preseason loss to the Chiefs

Associated Press

— Deshaun Watson acknowledged there is plenty to fix with about two weeks left before the start of the season, but the Browns quarterback also has seen some progress and believes things are trending in the right direction. Kansas City marched the other way and Harrison Butker answered from 44 yards, and York’s last chance to play the hero with …

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3 hours, 46 minutes ago