Browns set for more trouble with impending Deshaun Watson suspension
The Cleveland Browns find themselves in an absolute mess. After finishing 8-9 last season and missing the playoffs, they decided to shake things up. This decision led to their pursuit of the controversial but highly-talented quarterback Deshaun Watson.
After they traded for Watson, Baker Mayfield fell out with the franchise and requested a trade. That hasn't materialized as yet. In the meantime, they signed journeyman Jacoby Brissett. A new report suggests that the Browns thought they would only need Brissett for a few games.
#Browns want an “adult” at QB, but won’t accommodate Baker Mayfield’s trade requests?
Interesting🤔
Mary Kay Cabot, a Browns beat reporter, stated that they originally signed Brissett as a backup as they under the assumption that Watson's suspension would only last four games or so. This was back in March. Since then, things have only gotten worse for Watson and Cleveland.
Rumors: The #Browns signed Jacoby Brissett with the assumption that Deshaun Watson would be suspended for only the first quarter of the season or so, says @MaryKayCabot
Watson's total number of lawsuits peaked at 24, but now stands at four after he settled 20 cases. But many analysts believe that number may rise over time.
His NFL disciplinary hearing is over, but a suspension hasn't been handed down as yet by disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson. The league was supposedly seeking at least a year's suspension, but the hearing may have eliminated that possibility. The NFLPA cited the lack of punishment for Washington owner Dan Snyder and Patriots owner Robert Kraft as the reasons why the league can't throw the book at Watson.
Eight games is a very real possibility, though, and the whataboutery from the NFLPA doesn't necessarily mean anything in this case.
What the Browns can do if Deshaun Watson misses 8 or more games
The Browns are undoubtedly in a tough spot. Cleveland traded for a star quarterback who they felt was only going to miss a few games. Logically, they signed a solid backup to cover that period. Now that the suspension looks to be much longer, they'll have to roll with the backup for an extended period of time.
Brissett is a fine backup and can lead the team to a few wins. But he's no Deshaun Watson. He's no Baker Mayfield either, for that matter.
In their first eight games, the Browns have some beatable opponents, at least on paper. These include the Carolina Panthers, the Atlanta Falcons and the New York Jets.
However, if Watson's suspension is for a whole year, they may be forced to explore other options. Mayfield is still on the roster, but it would take a miracle to convince him to play for Cleveland again. Trades for Daniel Jones or Jimmy Garoppolo are possible, but extremely unlikely.
As of now, everything hinges on what the NFL decides to do with the quarterback. We will have to wait a little longer to find out, as that decision should be made in the near future.