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NFL (American Football)

Browns Weigh QB Trade Options as Young Stars Shine and Titans Search for Depth Behind Cam Ward

The Cleveland Browns find themselves in a unique situation at the quarterback position, with no clear consensus on who will take the starting role. Opinions vary widely among media members and fans. Some believe veteran Joe Flacco deserves the job after leading the team to the playoffs, while others argue for Shedeur Sanders, citing his college accuracy and untapped potential.

Still others back Kenny Pickett, the former first-round pick, or Dillon Gabriel, who cost the team a valuable third-round selection and seems to have the support of head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Watson Fades from Spotlight as Titans Face Depth Crisis Behind Cam Ward

Interestingly, despite being the high-profile starter of the recent past, Deshaun Watson is largely absent from the current quarterback conversation. Even if Watson returns to health midseason, there appears to be little expectation that he will reclaim his starting role.

This signals a shift in the Browns’ internal evaluation and perhaps a readiness to move on, depending on how the quarterback battle unfolds through the preseason and early regular season.

Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson (NFL)

Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans face an opposite challenge. They have a clear starter in Cam Ward but are dealing with a depth crisis due to Will Levis’ season-ending surgery. The Titans’ current backup options, Kyle Allen and Tim Boyle, have limited experience and have bounced around the league without much impact.

This glaring need behind Ward has opened the door to potential trade discussions, particularly with teams that have a surplus at quarterback.

Browns May Trade Veteran QB to Titans Amid Strong Performances by Young Prospects

Reports have surfaced suggesting that the Browns might be willing to trade one of their veteran quarterbacks, especially as Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders continue to impress in early team evaluations.

This has led to speculation that either Flacco or Pickett could be moved to quarterback-needy teams like the Titans or even the Minnesota Vikings. Tennessee, in particular, might value Flacco’s experience or Pickett’s developmental upside as they try to stabilize their depth chart.

From Cleveland’s perspective, dealing a quarterback early in the season could serve multiple purposes. It would allow the team to consolidate its quarterback competition, ensure more practice reps for the remaining contenders, and potentially acquire valuable draft capital. With Levis injured, the Titans may be more willing to part with a stronger asset, making a trade mutually beneficial and increasingly likely as training camps progress.

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NFL (American Football)

Deshaun Watson Embraces Mentor Role as Browns Quarterback Battle Unfolds Without Clear Starter

Deshaun Watson is currently recovering from a second Achilles tear and subsequent surgery that took place on January 10. As of now, there is no clear timetable for his return, and it is expected he will miss most, if not all, of the 2025 NFL season. His injury has left the Cleveland Browns in a transitional phase at the quarterback position, forcing the team to explore other options while Watson works through his rehabilitation.

Browns Evaluate Four Quarterbacks as Watson Guides from Sidelines with Veteran Insight

In Watson’s absence, the Browns are evaluating four quarterbacks: Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders. This creates a competitive environment heading into the season as all four vie for the starting job. Each brings a different level of experience and skill, making it a wide-open competition as the team navigates life without its franchise quarterback.

Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson (NFL)

Despite his physical limitations, Watson has taken on a significant off-field role by mentoring the younger quarterbacks, especially Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. According to Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com, Watson has been active in quarterback meetings, sharing insights and helping break down offensive concepts. His presence has offered the group a valuable perspective from someone who has played at a high level.

Watson’s Leadership Elevates Quarterback Room Through Insight, Experience, and On-Field Presence

Dillon Gabriel noted the value of Watson’s mentorship during minicamp, sharing that they sit together in team meetings, where Watson’s advice and feedback have been instrumental.

Gabriel emphasized how Watson’s interpretations of play concepts, especially in critical red-zone situations, can reshape how the quarterbacks understand and execute the game plan. This mentorship has elevated the level of discussion and preparation within the quarterback room.

Although Watson has begun light throwing sessions with receivers like Jerry Jeudy and David Bell and is no longer wearing a walking boot, his primary contribution remains his leadership. Acting as both a cheerleader and a sounding board for his teammates, Watson has embraced a supportive role during his recovery.

His commitment to staying involved has provided the Browns’ quarterback unit with both knowledge and stability during a challenging transitional period.

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NFL (American Football)

Deshaun Watson’s Contract Restructured as Browns Clear $36 Million in Cap Space

The Cleveland Browns have once again restructured quarterback Deshaun Watson’s contract, freeing up nearly $36 million in salary cap space. According to ESPN’s Field Yates, this move ensures that the Browns are cap-compliant ahead of the new league year.

Before the restructuring, Cleveland was approximately $22 million over the salary cap. This restructuring allows the team more financial flexibility as they enter free agency and prepare for the upcoming NFL season.

Watson’s Recovery, Contract Impact, and Browns’ Plans for Quarterback Depth in 2025

Watson, who signed a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract in March 2022, is set to earn $46 million in each of the next two seasons. He is currently rehabbing at the Browns’ facility in Berea, Ohio, after re-tearing his right Achilles tendon just three months after an initial injury in October.

Browns general manager Andrew Berry assured that Watson’s recovery is the primary focus and that the injury was an unfortunate accident. Despite setbacks, the team remains committed to helping Watson return to full strength.

Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson (NFL)

Although the Browns still owe Watson $92 million, Berry emphasized that the contract will not hinder their ability to pursue key free agents. The team is expected to sign a veteran quarterback to provide depth in Watson’s absence.

Berry also explained that the franchise has restructured Watson’s deal multiple times, converting salary into signing bonuses spread over five years. This strategy provides immediate salary cap relief while allowing flexibility in roster moves.

Watson’s Struggles and Browns’ Potential Quarterback Plans for the 2025 NFL Draft

Due to suspensions and injuries, Watson has only played 19 games since the Browns traded three first-round picks to acquire him from the Houston Texans. His performance has been underwhelming, as he recorded the lowest Total QBR in the NFL before suffering his season-ending injury.

Cleveland expects him to miss significant time during the 2025 season as he recovers. The team is also expected to receive some cap relief through its insurance policy on Watson’s contract after he missed 10 games in the 2024 season.

With the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, speculation is growing that the Browns may select a quarterback. The team is reportedly hosting top prospects, including Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, for top-30 visits. Adding a young quarterback could provide insurance for Watson’s uncertain future and long-term stability at the position. Cleveland’s front office appears to be preparing for all scenarios as they enter a crucial offseason.

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NFL (American Football)

Cleveland Browns Explore Draft Free Agency and Trade Options to Solve Quarterback Uncertainty

The Cleveland Browns find themselves yet again in search of a franchise quarterback, a struggle that has persisted for decades. With Deshaun Watson potentially missing the entire 2025 season due to injury and his inconsistent play when available, the team must explore new options.

Coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position, emphasizing the team’s commitment to finding a viable solution. Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine, he noted that the Browns will explore every avenue in their search, including the upcoming draft.

Assessing Quarterback Prospects and Prioritizing Team Fit in the 2025 NFL Draft

Stefanski expressed optimism about the 2025 draft class, noting that it is deep with talented quarterbacks. While top prospects like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders have drawn attention, Stefanski made it clear that there are several promising options. He refrained from making any definitive statements about the team’s draft strategy, emphasizing that evaluations are still ongoing. The process includes watching game tapes, conducting interviews, and assessing players at their pro days before making any final decisions.

Cleveland Browns Explore Draft Free Agency and Trade Options to Solve Quarterback Uncertainty
Cleveland Browns Explore Draft Free Agency and Trade Options to Solve Quarterback Uncertainty

One of the biggest questions surrounding this draft is whether any of the quarterbacks have the potential to be true franchise players. The Browns desperately need a game-changing quarterback to compete with dominant teams like the Chiefs, Bills, and Ravens.

However, Stefanski downplayed the importance of finding a “franchise quarterback,” instead focusing on selecting a player who fits the team’s system. His comments suggest that the Browns may prioritize scheme fit over star potential in their decision-making process.

Weighing Free-Agent and Trade Options Amid Financial Constraints at Quarterback

Beyond the draft, the Browns could explore free agency and the trade market for their next quarterback. Several notable names, including Sam Darnold, Russell Wilson, and Justin Fields, are available, though each comes with questions.

Additionally, veteran quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford and Kirk Cousins could be potential trade targets. Stefanski acknowledged that the team is considering all possible routes, indicating that Cleveland may add multiple quarterbacks this offseason to ensure stability at the position.

One of the biggest challenges for the Browns is managing Watson’s massive contract while also investing in another quarterback. With Watson’s deal limiting their financial flexibility, the team must carefully allocate resources to avoid long-term setbacks. Whether through the draft, free agency, or a trade, Cleveland will likely bring in new quarterbacks this offseason. However, the question remains whether they will find the long-awaited answer or continue their cycle of instability at the position.

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NFL (American Football)

Myles Garrett cites Deshaun Watson trade as reason for wanting to leave Cleveland

The struggles and problems in Cleveland have finally pushed Myles Garrett to want out of the team. The most surprising part of his trade demand on Monday, made through social media, is that it took this long for him to reach this decision.

Garrett, 29, is coming off what could be his second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year season, with 14 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. He has been a standout player for the Browns since they drafted him first overall in 2017 out of Texas A&M.

The problem isn’t Garrett; it’s the team. The Browns have been terrible, and Garrett doesn’t want his career wasted by staying there.

“While I’ve loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won’t allow me to be complacent,” Garrett wrote on Instagram. “The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl.”

NFL teams can change quickly — Washington went from three wins last season to the NFC championship game this year. But Garrett doesn’t believe the Browns can turn it around. He feels he’s wasted eight great years with them and doesn’t want to waste any more.

Myles Garrett
Myles Garrett (NFL)

The root of the problem goes back to one of the worst trades in NFL history — the Browns’ 2022 decision to give up six draft picks, including three first-rounders, to acquire Deshaun Watson from Houston. This happened after Watson was involved in a sexual harassment and assault scandal with multiple massage therapists.

Despite everything, the Browns still signed him to a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract, even though he was facing a suspension.

Watson has played poorly, with only 19 touchdowns in 19 starts. His time with the Browns has been marked by average performances, a league punishment, and injuries. The Browns finished with a 3-14 record, and the team’s roster has been weakened by the loss of those draft picks.

The situation keeps getting worse, leading to Garrett — the Browns’ best player, fan favorite, and key defensive lineman — feeling hopeless and wanting to leave.

Garrett had already hinted at wanting to be traded, but when general manager Andrew Berry said last week the Browns wouldn’t entertain offers, Garrett made his feelings public and clear, especially during Super Bowl week.

This could push Garrett toward a contender — and there will be plenty of teams interested. Philadelphia, Detroit, and Cincinnati are all possible landing spots.

But the starting point of this mess is the Watson trade. The Browns had quarterback Baker Mayfield but didn’t believe in him, and he’s since led Tampa Bay to the playoffs twice. They saw Watson as an upgrade, which might have been true if he had returned to his previous form and avoided his off-field issues.

The price Cleveland paid for Deshaun Watson was huge, a bid that seemed excessive and driven by desperation when it didn’t really seem necessary. But the team didn’t care.

“We are confident in Deshaun and excited about moving forward with him as our quarterback and supporting his genuine and determined efforts,” said team owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam in a statement at the time.

That confidence has clearly faded.

Things have gotten so bad that Garrett is now demanding to be traded, even though, on a personal level, he’s been happy and playing well.

“As a kid dreaming of the NFL, all I focused on was the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl — and that goal fuels me today more than ever,” Garrett wrote. “My love for the community of Northeast Ohio and the incredible fanbase of the Cleveland Browns has made this one of the toughest decisions of my life. These past eight years have shaped me into the man that I am today.”

Deshaun Watson looks to pass in the game

For Cleveland, the only silver lining here is that they might be able to recover some of the lost draft picks from the Watson trade. What could Garrett be worth? Maybe two first-round picks? Or perhaps a first-round pick and a couple of other picks?

Garrett still has two years left on his five-year, $125 million deal. His salary cap hits are $19.7 million for 2025 and $20.3 million for 2026. He’s one of the best at his position, which is extremely valuable.

He won’t turn 30 until December. His effort, conditioning, and attitude have never been in question. And if he can get 14 sacks on a 14-loss team, what could he do on a team that’s actually trying to win a championship?

Imagine Garrett in Detroit alongside Aidan Hutchinson. Or Garrett on a young, hungry team like Washington. Or Garrett in Cincinnati, where the Bengals already have all the offense they need. Or maybe Garrett joining an elite defensive line in Philadelphia, if the Eagles can make the salary cap work.

Every team will be interested — including rebuilding teams like Las Vegas or New England that are trying to show they have a promising future.

Wherever he goes, it won’t be in Cleveland unless the Browns somehow convince him that they’re in a better position than he thinks.

Garrett wants to play for a contender, and ever since the Deshaun Watson trade, Cleveland hasn’t looked like one.

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NFL (American Football)

In discussing Deshaun Watson’s suspension, Ravens coach John Harbaugh highlighted the team’s “zero tolerance” policy in Baltimore

It’s unclear what the NFL or the Ravens will do following allegations from six women that Ravens kicker Justin Tucker acted inappropriately during massage therapy sessions.

Tucker strongly denies the accusations. After the NFL suspended Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson for 11 games in 2022, Ravens coach John Harbaugh spoke about the Watson case following a training-camp practice.

“I do have a lot of opinions on it,” Harbaugh said at the time. “I’m just not at liberty to share them at this time. That’s for the league to decide.”

Harbaugh mentioned the Ravens’ stance on players mistreating women, which was shaped by the team’s decision to quickly release running back Ray Rice after a video of his assault on his then-fiancé surfaced.

“I respect what [owner] Steve Bisciotti and [former team president] Dick Cass created here almost 10 years ago,” Harbaugh said. “Basically, we’re kind of zero tolerance.

John Harbaugh answers the questions

You have to know the truth, you have to try to understand the circumstances, but we’ve stayed away from that particular situation — when we draft players, when we sign them as free agents. That’s Steve’s decision, and I’m glad that we have that policy.”

Harbaugh’s words could apply to Tucker’s situation. Although he specifically mentioned the importance of finding “the truth,” the reality is that specialists like Tucker are easier to replace. With Tucker struggling through parts of 2024 and having a $4.2 million non-guaranteed salary in 2025, the Ravens might eventually choose to move on from him.

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NFL (American Football)

Browns Should Consider Releasing Deshaun Watson, Says Shannon Sharpe

The Cleveland Browns took a bold step by trading for former Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson in 2022, handing him a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract.

Watson, who was once considered one of the top quarterbacks in Texas, was expected to become the cornerstone of Cleveland’s franchise. However, his tenure with the Browns has been overshadowed by persistent challenges on and off the field.

Deshaun Watson’s journey with the Browns marked by controversy and injuries (Cleveland Browns)

Among the controversies was a civil lawsuit filed in October 2020, accusing Watson of sexual assault and battery. Watson has consistently denied the allegations. Adding to these issues, his career has been hindered by injuries.

After missing the last eight games of the 2023 season due to shoulder surgery, Watson faced another setback in October 2024 when he tore his Achilles, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

As he prepared for the 2025 season, he suffered another Achilles rupture, requiring a second surgery. Reports suggest that Watson may need at least seven months of recovery, leaving his availability for the next season uncertain.

Calls for Cleveland to Part Ways

After enduring yet another unsuccessful season, NFL legend Shannon Sharpe voiced his opinion on the situation, urging the Browns to move on from Watson.

Speaking on his ‘Nightcap’ podcast, Sharpe expressed concern over Watson’s physical condition, saying, “It’s not working, and it’s too late to turn back now.

The damage to his body is just too much. If you piece it together, he’s barely played an entire season over the last four years.” Sharpe acknowledged Watson’s talent but doubted he could regain his prime form, suggesting Cleveland and Watson part ways.

Sharpe’s co-host, Chad Johnson, defended Watson, emphasizing his age and past achievements. While Sharpe doesn’t believe Watson should retire from football entirely, he asserted that his time in Cleveland has likely come to an end. “As much as I wanted to see it, he’s never going to be what he was in Houston,” Sharpe concluded.

Off-Field Challenges and Mixed Results

Watson’s off-field troubles have also been a major focus. More than 20 women accused him of sexual misconduct and harassment before his trade to Cleveland.

While Watson settled 20 of the claims out of court and denied any wrongdoing, he was suspended for the first 11 games of the 2022 season and fined $5 million.

His turbulent 2024 included a death threat, as reported by Jason Lloyd of The Athletic. According to Lloyd, Watson’s agent received a threatening email in June, but the investigation yielded no suspects.

Despite being a three-time Pro Bowler and leading the league in passing yards in 2020, Watson’s time with the Browns has been marred by setbacks.

Over three seasons, he has appeared in just 19 games, recording 3,365 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

His 2024 campaign ended with 1,148 passing yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. If Cleveland decides to part ways with Watson, they are likely to explore numerous options to replace him.

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NFL (American Football)

Cleveland Browns Seek Key Free Agent Additions to Strengthen Roster for 2025

As the NFL offseason begins, the Cleveland Browns find themselves at a crucial point in their journey. After a disappointing 2024 season, the team must use free agency to address its major weaknesses.

With a solid core in place but clear areas of improvement, this offseason is a vital chance for the Browns to reestablish themselves as a competitive team and get back to playoff contention.

Reflecting on a Tough 2024 Season
The Browns’ 2024 season was filled with missed opportunities and struggles. With a 3-14 record, the team faced issues on both offense and defense. The quarterback position was a major problem, with inconsistent play and turnovers disrupting the offense. The defense also had issues, as it lacked depth and leadership for consistent performances.

Going into the 2025 offseason, addressing the quarterback situation and other key areas is a priority. For example, Cleveland ranked 16th in time of possession, averaging 30:01 per game. This wasn’t the worst, but it didn’t help a defense that allowed 25.6 points per game, ranking 27th in the league.

Deshaun Watson scrambles in the 1st half

To improve, the Browns need upgrades on both sides of the ball. However, they face a cap deficit of -$24.54 million as the offseason begins.

While cap management can help, this financial challenge highlights the difficulties Cleveland faces. Deshaun Watson’s poor performance before his season-ending injury, the defense’s decline, and Nick Chubb’s interrupted recovery from a major knee injury have left many questions for the team. It will take a lot of work to make the Browns a playoff contender again.

Here are some of the players the Cleveland Browns should target in free agency for the 2025 offseason.

Stability Under Center
The Browns should consider signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to bring stability to the position. While he isn’t officially a free agent yet, Cousins is expected to be released by Atlanta before a $10 million roster bonus is due on March 17.

Cousins also has a past connection with head coach Kevin Stefanski from their time in Minnesota. Any contract would be offset by the $27 million owed to him by the Falcons, making him a cost-effective choice. Cousins’ reliable play in terms of completion percentage and passer rating could give the Browns the stability they need. He can also help mentor a possible rookie quarterback.

Bolstering the Pass Rush
The Browns should prioritize adding Khalil Mack to their defense. Although he’s 34 years old, Mack remains a top-tier edge rusher, recording six sacks and two forced fumbles in 2024. Pairing him with Myles Garrett could form a powerful pass-rushing duo.

Mack’s leadership and experience would also strengthen a defense that struggled with consistency last season. His potential short-term impact makes him an ideal target to address the Browns’ pass-rushing issues.

Strengthening the Secondary
The Browns need to improve their secondary, especially to support Denzel Ward. Injuries and inconsistent play hurt the unit in 2024. DJ Reed, a versatile cornerback with excellent coverage skills, could be the answer.

Reed’s ability to play both outside and in the slot would add flexibility to the defense. His tackling and football IQ would also help address the Browns’ issues in key moments. With the strong offenses in the AFC North, bringing in a player like Reed is important.

Nick Chubb carries the ball for a touchdown in the 2nd half

Retaining a Star
Nick Chubb’s future in Cleveland is uncertain after a tough 2024 season filled with injuries. Given the shrinking market for veteran running backs, Chubb might sign a cap-friendly deal. This would allow him to stay with the Browns while fitting into the team’s financial constraints.

The team could offer him a one-year, incentive-based deal or a reduced long-term contract. When healthy, Chubb is still one of the league’s best backs. His return would be a big boost for the Browns’ offense.

A Roadmap to Contention
The 2025 offseason is a critical time for the Cleveland Browns to rebuild and become contenders in the competitive AFC North. By targeting free agents like Kirk Cousins, Khalil Mack, and DJ Reed, and making smart decisions about keeping players like Nick Chubb, the Browns can address their most urgent needs.

With good financial management and a clear plan, Cleveland can turn the page on a disappointing 2024 season and set themselves up for future success. The next few months will show whether the team can meet the challenge and give Browns fans the winning football they’ve been waiting for.

Browns fans, who have long experienced heartbreak, deserve a team that can regularly compete. The 2025 offseason gives the Browns a unique chance to change their story and become competitive again. By targeting the right free agents and fixing key weaknesses, the team can finally begin to move up from the bottom of the AFC North and make a playoff push.

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NFL (American Football)

Browns QB Deshaun Watson faces medical setback, casting doubt on his future in Cleveland

Deshaun Watson’s future as Cleveland’s quarterback is uncertain.

Browns general manager Andrew Berry said on Monday that Watson has experienced a setback in his recovery from an Achilles tendon injury, and the team is unsure if or when he will be available in 2025.

“We’ll know more in the next couple days or weeks,” Berry said.

Since signing a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract with Cleveland in 2022, Watson has only played in 19 games. The contract has been a disappointment, as Watson hasn’t played well when he has been healthy.

Berry started the season wrap-up news conference with the unexpected update on Watson. The quarterback made just seven starts this season as the Browns (3-14) struggled after making the playoffs last year.

Berry explained that the team learned about Watson’s new medical issue during player exit meetings on Sunday when the 29-year-old mentioned it to team doctors. He stressed that it’s too early to understand what this means for Watson and the team moving forward. It’s still unclear if surgery will be needed.

Watson had his Achilles repaired on October 25. He has been dividing his time between Ohio and Florida during his recovery. Watson has not spoken to the media since his injury.

Kevin Stefanski talks in the practice

“One thing I have learned from this year, I don’t want to rule out anything with a major injury,” Berry said. “We are still collecting all the information. Then obviously our focus is making sure that he can get as healthy as possible.”

Berry mentioned that the team will know more about Watson’s situation in the coming days. The Browns had recently restructured Watson’s contract to give them salary-cap flexibility in the future.

Watson went 1-6 as a starter this season before injuring his Achilles on October 20 against Cincinnati. At the time, he was one of the NFL’s lowest-rated quarterbacks, and his injury caused the Browns to start three different quarterbacks after already using five in 2023. Last season, Watson had a season-ending injury to his right throwing shoulder and had major surgery.

The Browns signed free agent Joe Flacco, who helped lead Cleveland to a wild-card berth and revived his career.

When the Browns signed Watson, they thought they had finally found their franchise quarterback. Watson had been a three-time Pro Bowler in Houston, but injuries and poor performance have left the team in the same position as it was three years ago.

Berry didn’t provide specific plans for improving the quarterback position. Cleveland will have the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and could select a young quarterback to develop. The team is also expected to sign a veteran free agent to either start next season or serve as a “bridge” quarterback.

Jameis Winston speaks in the news conference

“That room will look different next year,” Berry said.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson is the only quarterback under contract for next season. Jameis Winston, who signed a one-year deal with Cleveland, could also be an option. Winston helped revive the offense after Watson’s injury, throwing for 497 yards in a loss at Denver, but he was benched after throwing eight interceptions in three games.

Berry said he was personally “embarrassed” by the team’s decline this season. The Browns began the offseason on Sunday by firing offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and offensive line coach Andy Dickerson. Berry believes the team still has a strong group of players to compete and doesn’t think a complete rebuild is necessary.

Berry said he expects defensive star Myles Garrett to remain with the Browns and retire with the team. Garrett, who finished the season with 14 sacks, recently told ownership that he didn’t want to waste any more years on rebuilding.

“I don’t envision an offseason where we’re moving on from a ton of core players,” Berry said.

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Deshaun Watson Faces No Punishment as NFL Closes Investigation into Sexual Assault Allegations

The NFL has concluded its investigation into the sexual assault allegations against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. After reviewing the case for several months, the league decided to close the probe, citing a lack of sufficient evidence to support a violation of its personal conduct policy. An NFL spokesperson confirmed this outcome, stating that Watson would not face any punishment from the league.

Watson, who has been plagued by both legal issues and injuries, has struggled to find consistent form since joining the Browns. Over the past three seasons, he has only appeared in 19 games, spending much of that time sidelined due to injuries or serving a suspension. He is currently on injured reserve for the second consecutive year after tearing his Achilles tendon in October. Despite this, Watson is working on his recovery and hopes to return to the field next season.

Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson (NFL)

In 2022, Watson served an 11-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions while he played for the Houston Texans. In September, another woman accused Watson of sexual assault in Texas, seeking over $1 million in damages. However, the case was settled confidentially, and Watson’s legal team, led by attorney Rusty Hardin, denied the allegations.

Watson’s contract with the Browns, which includes a fully guaranteed $230 million over five years, remains a significant financial commitment for the team. This deal was made despite Watson’s legal troubles, and now the Browns find themselves in a difficult position. They traded away three first-round picks to acquire Watson, and his massive salary is creating salary cap challenges that have impacted the team’s ability to improve its roster.

The Browns’ season has been disappointing, especially after their playoff appearance last year, and Watson’s uncertain future with the team looms large. Cleveland has a backup plan with Jameis Winston, who was signed for one season. Winston has started five games, winning two, but the team’s performance has been uneven. The Browns face the Pittsburgh Steelers in their next game, with hopes of continuing to improve despite their struggles this season.

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NFL (American Football)

Quarterback Dilemma: Browns Turn to Rookie Thompson-Robinson, Explore Flacco Option After Watson’s Season-Ending Injury

The Cleveland Browns have turned their attention to rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who is scheduled to start this weekend’s game against division rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers, following the tragic loss of starting quarterback Deshaun Watson to a season-ending shoulder injury. The squad is still looking into other quarterback options in spite of this.

Joe Flacco, a seasoned veteran who has played for the Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, and New York Jets, worked out with the Browns on Friday. Cleveland.com, however, stated that no agreement was reached during the meeting. Flacco is still a top choice for the Browns, and by the next week, there’s talk that he may be added to the practice squad or active roster.

Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco (Credits: AP)

After winning a Super Bowl while playing for Baltimore for the first 11 years of his career, Flacco then spent three years as a backup and a year in Denver before moving to New York. He made four starts in 2022 and ended with a 1-3 record. Notably, he averaged just 5.5 yards per attempt and completed 57.6% of his passes, a career low. The 38-year-old quarterback’s current campaign has been spent without a team.

Regarding other QB prospects, the Browns are keeping their options open. Although P.J. Walker already starts alongside Thompson-Robinson, the organization trusted Walker enough to start him for three games earlier in the season when Watson was sidelined. It is improbable that Thompson-Robinson and Walker will be replaced by a new quarterback signing, but this season has been full of surprises, especially when it comes to the play of backup quarterbacks.

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NFL (American Football)

Browns’ Epic Comeback: Deshaun Watson’s Heroic Performance Secures Thrilling 33-31 Victory Over Ravens

The Cleveland Browns staged an impressive comeback on Sunday, overcoming a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to secure a significant 33-31 victory against the division-leading Baltimore Ravens. The pivotal moment came when Dustin Hopkins kicked a game-winning 40-yard field goal as time expired, reinvigorating the 6-3 Browns’ position in the AFC North race. Cleveland, eyeing their first division title since 1989, now trails the 7-3 Baltimore by a mere half-game.

In a remarkable turn of events, the Browns, who hadn’t clinched a win after trailing by two touchdowns in the fourth quarter for nine years, joined an exclusive club. They became only the fourth team in the Super Bowl era to win a game after trailing in the opening minute and not leading until the final minute of regulation.

Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson (Credits: WEWS)

Quarterback Deshaun Watson, a central figure in this comeback, acknowledged the significance of the victory, labeling it a “big moment” for the team. Despite facing challenges, including a pick-six early in the game and completing just 6 of 20 passes in the first half, Watson exhibited resilience after halftime, finishing the game with 14 completions for 134 yards and a crucial touchdown. Notably, he orchestrated the final possession, completing all three of his passes for 30 yards and rushing for a first down, setting the stage for the game-winning field goal.

Coach Kevin Stefanski praised Watson’s tenacity, describing him as a “warrior” who makes plays even when they seem elusive. Cleveland faced its largest deficit, 24-9, but responded with a resilient 17-play, 10-minute touchdown drive. Watson’s 2-point conversion run capped off this drive.

Watson’s performance drew admiration from teammates, with All-Pro guard Joel Bitonio emphasizing his focus throughout the week. The Browns, who trailed for an impressive 59 minutes and 20 seconds, achieved a rare feat, with no NFL team this millennium winning while trailing for such an extended duration.

For the Ravens, it marked a significant setback, representing the second-largest blown fourth-quarter lead in Coach John Harbaugh’s 16-year tenure. Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike expressed shock and frustration at the unexpected turn of events.

The victory held particular significance for the Browns, given their previous 28-3 loss to the Ravens. Watson, absent in that matchup due to injury, returned last weekend in a 27-0 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Despite his struggles since joining the Browns, Watson’s resilience and performance against the Ravens showcased glimpses of his past success.

Despite missing key offensive tackles, the Browns, with a depleted line, managed to keep the offense moving in the second half against the top-ranked Baltimore defense in efficiency.

Looking ahead, the Browns view this victory as a “big statement” and a “defining” moment, with momentum heading into the second half of the season. Watson emphasized the need to harness the team’s current energy and power as they prepare for a crucial divisional matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.