3 Plan B options for the Browns if Deshaun Watson is hit with a major suspension

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Cleveland Browns Offseason Workout

The Cleveland Browns continue to face a world of unknowns with Deshaun Watson. Will he be suspended? And if so, for how long? No one seems to know the answers as the situation continues to evolve with each passing day.

What fans want to know is, will a Watson suspension will derail the season? Or do the Browns have a legitimate Plan B for such a scenario?

One would assume they have several contingency plans, ranging from the obvious to the more bold.

3 Plan B options at QB for the Browns

Houston Texans v Miami Dolphins

#1 Jacoby Brissett

The first plan is the easiest: go with the backup. Cleveland made a point of signing Jacoby Brissett as Watson's backup. This is a player who has starting experience and is not just a body to sit behind a star.

This would be the ideal backup plan as Brissett has been with the team the entire offseason and would be comfortable running the offense. He is working with the offense and should know by now that he may have to step into the starting role, whether that be for a few games or an indefinite amount of time.

Cincinnati Bengals v Cleveland Browns

#2 Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield and the organization seem to be done with each other. Yet, he remains on the team, and we are nearing the middle of June. This means training camp is just one month away.

The only likely scenario where this comes into play is if Watson is hit with a season-long or indefinite suspension. That could realistically bring his contract into question, allowing Mayfield and the team to make up for at least one season. However, it may take some serious internal conversations to make the quarterback even consider this. Being able to start Week 1 could help sway his mind.

Carolina Panthers v New Orleans Saints

#3 Sam Darnold

Now, this is not an ideal plan. So why would Sam Darnold even be suggested? If the Browns are desperate to move on from Mayfield and send him to the Carolina Panthers, Carolina may ask Cleveland to take Darnold in a swap of players on fifth-year options.

This is not a move that would inspire a lot of confidence in fans. However, it is something that has been floated around and could be realistic, considering the Browns have plenty of cap space to carry Darnold's contract.

If Darnold were to come in, he would likely have to compete against Brissett for the starting job. And if he wins? That may mean a change of scenery, for a second time, could be beneficial.

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