The Cleveland Browns signed quarterback Jameis Winston in free agency to serve as insurance for Deshaun Watson, but based on how much Winston is raving about Watson, he may not get a chance to play at all in 2024.
While discussing Watson this week, Winston explained how good the 28-year-old signal-caller has looked at organized team activities.
“I’ve seen intentional leadership of him taking mental reps, like he is one of the best quarterbacks in this league,” Winston said, via Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. “I’ve seen a consistent growth and just him focusing on his shoulder routine, focusing on building that strength back. And when he throws it, he spins it, so I haven’t seen anything of lack.”
Watson suffered a shoulder injury last November and was forced to undergo surgery to repair it.
There were some questions as to whether or not he would be ready for Week 1, but it's looking more and more like Watson will be a full go.
“I’ve just seen him just continue to grow, continue to lead these guys — because it’s challenging when you’re not getting the reps,” added Winston. “It’s challenging to have a presence when you’re sitting back from afar watching. And he’s done an incredible job just staying locked in, staying focused. I smile when he’s communicating to the receivers in the back, communicating to the offensive lines, talking protections because that is football and he’s not missing the beat.”
This is a make or break year for Deshaun Watson with the Browns
When the Browns acquired Watson in a blockbuster trade with the Houston Texans in March 2022, they were hoping he would transform the franchise.
Thus far, that has not been the case.
Watson has played in a grand total of 12 games in two seasons in Cleveland. He was suspended for 11 games in 2022 due to sexual misconduct allegations, and this past year, he appeared in just six contests before going down with the shoulder injury.
It's not like Watson has lit it up when he has been on the field, either, accumulating 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions during that time.
Of course, there was a time when Watson was one of the best quarterbacks in football. Back in 2020, he led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards to go along with 33 touchdowns and just seven picks. He made three straight trips to the Pro Bowl between 2018 and 2020.
However, Watson sat out all of 2021 due to discontent with Houston's organization (the sexual misconduct allegations also played a role). So, he really hasn't played great football in four years, which has led some to wonder whether or not he has it in him anymore.
The Browns handed Watson a fully-guaranteed $230 million contract upon acquiring him, so they are certainly hoping he can rediscover his old form.
Cleveland went 11-6 and made the playoffs in spite of Watson's injury last season, so just imagine how dangerous the Browns would be if Watson is able to get back on track.
Cleveland will open up its regular season when it hosts the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 8.
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