The Cleveland Browns are counting on Deshaun Watson finally returning to form after two subpar seasons following his blockbuster trade from Houston.
Watson missed the bulk of the 2023 campaign after ending up on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury. Browns general manager Andrew Berry said last week on The Pat McAfee Show that the club believes Watson is finally ready to get back to his Pro Bowl play.
"We feel very good about the transition. He is in a good spot mentally and physically," Berry said. "Obviously, he's been rehabbing the shoulder injury, but he is well on his way there and in a really strong spot. I think he's a lot more comfortable within the organization. You know, we have a core group of guys on offense that have now played together for a number of years.
"We do expect to hit the ground running on that side of the ball, and I know he is very excited about returning to the playing field and getting over this injury. We do have high expectations for him and the offense this season."
After sitting out the 2021 campaign embroiled in off-field controversy, including being accused of sexual misconduct and sexual assault, Watson played six games in 2022 following his suspension. He looked rusty in those outings, seeming every bit a player who needed to recalibrate to the speed of the NFL. The 2023 season got off to an up-and-down start, but Watson began to settle in and show some spark before missing time with injury and ultimately being shut down.
Berry said the Browns anticipated some acclimation process after trading for Watson and believe things are looking up for the quarterback's third season in Cleveland.
"I don't think it's uncommon for some transition or acclimation -- that has to be in the realm of possibility," Berry said. "But we feel good about Deshaun, like the trajectory we have seen, and do think he will have a big year."
The Browns made the postseason last year with Joe Flacco leading a banged-up squad. Given how much the club shelled out in assets and guaranteed money to acquire Watson, they're counting on the QB to be at least as good as a 38-year-old Flacco.
