The Browns are set for a deep run if Deshaun Watson stays healthy.
The primary concern looming over Kevin Stefanski and the Cleveland Browns this offseason is the health of quarterback Deshaun Watson. Watson's 2023 season was cut short due to surgery on his throwing shoulder in November.
“He's doing everything he's supposed to do,” Stefanski stated during an annual golf charity event on Monday, according to BrownsZone's Scott Petrak.
Kevin Stefanski's optimism on prized signal-caller Deshaun Watson's recovery
Stefanski sounded optimistic saying, “He's attacked this rehab from day one of the rehab. When he gets out there and throws it around, which I know you guys saw last week, he looks like Deshaun Watson.”
Watson has been on a limited throwing schedule as he returns from surgery. When questioned about whether the 28-year-old will stick to that plan during OTA practices this week, Stefanski responded with a cautious “We'll see.”
The Browns have seen a disappointingly low return on their historically expensive trade with the Houston Texans. However, the contract they were obligated to approve in order to secure the 2022 sweepstakes continues to bind the team to the former Pro Bowler.
This year marks a crucial period for the Browns and Watson, as the team is committed to the former Texans standout until 2026. Unlike last year, the Browns have not restructured Watson’s contract, resulting in a potentially record-breaking $63.77 million cap number on Cleveland’s balance sheet. No player has ever carried a $45 million cap charge in a single season.
As Deshaun Watson enters the third season of his five-year, $230 million guaranteed deal, the Browns are taking a cautious approach with their quarterback. Watson endured a fractured shoulder socket and a partially torn labrum last season, leading to his limited participation in the team’s offseason program.
Deshaun Watson on track to start the season
However, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s Mary Kay Cabot, the eighth-year QB showcased his throwing skills in front of the media for the first time this week.
“Watson is throwing with his normal velocity and range coming off the fractured socket and partially torn labrum, and everyone is optimistic about his on-schedule recovery. The encouraging thing for the Browns and for Watson is that he feels great and the ball is coming out well. The bottom line is that he’s still 100% on track to start the season Sept. 8 against the Cowboys,” Cabot reported.
During the practice, the 28-year-old Watson engaged in individual drills and threw passes to receivers during sessions that didn't involve the defense. Jameis Winston, on the other hand, handled the reps during the seven-on-seven and 11-on-11 periods, as reported by Cabot.
The team is slowly integrating its expensive quarterback into activities, as indicated by Kevin Stefanski. “I'm really waiting on medical when it comes to that,” the Browns head coach remarked. “If they say he's ready to go, we'll throw him in there. But until then, we're taking it one day at a time. And he's doing really, really well.”
Browns playing without Watson
Before Deshaun Watson's season-ending shoulder injury last year, the Browns had experienced playing games without him. Quarterbacks like P.J. Walker and Dorian Thompson-Robinson stepped in for starts.
Watson's shoulder issues, including a micro tear of his rotator cuff that led to surgery on Nov. 21, preceded Joe Flacco's impressive resurgence.
Additionally, Watson dealt with a high ankle sprain last season. Despite missing their starting QB, top three tackles, and Nick Chubb, the team secured a playoff spot. Flacco has since moved to Indianapolis, expressing surprise at not being re-signed by Cleveland, while Jameis Winston serves as the Browns' insurance policy for Watson.
Last season, Watson participated in just five complete games before having season-ending surgery on his right shoulder in November. His performance during these games resulted in an 84.3 quarterback rating and an average of 6.5 yards per pass attempt.
Watson's surgery was expected to have a six-month recovery period. As that timeframe approaches, it will be crucial to monitor his progress closely. The Browns are hoping to see a sustained period of high-quality quarterback play from Watson once he returns to action.
