Browns news & rumors: Deshaun Watson re-emergence in 2023; Evans on the radar?
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is the biggest X-factor in the upcoming NFL season. Named as one of the team’s captains entering the season, his leadership and on-the-field performance will be key Dawg Pound celebration in 2023.
After almost two years absent from the NFL, Watson returned to the field in 2022 after an 11-game suspension from the league. In just 6 games played under center with the Browns, the three-time Pro Bowler passed for just 1,102 yards with 7 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Obviously, not the Watson who impressed with his arm and legs in Houston, but with a full training camp under his belt, there is optimism the Browns will get the Watson of old.
With the AFC North being one of the tougher divisions in the NFL, Watson returning to form could change the complexion of the division and maybe even the conference with the weapons Watson have in his arsenal.
Cleveland Browns need the Deshaun Watson of old to compete in the AFC North
Led by explosive running back Nick Chubb, veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper and tight end David Njoku, the Browns have a ton of talent on the offensive side of the ball with some questions marks regarding health and the breakout possibility of newly acquired wide receiver Elijah Moore, who like Watson, has impressed in training camp.
That connection, those two players could be the fuel the Browns need to really bust through mediocrity this season. Again, with a full offseason under his belt with the team, the leadership coming from Watson has assistant General Manager and Vice President of Football Operations Catherin Raiche pleased and enthusiastic.
Who wouldn’t be after what the Browns gave up to land Watson prior to the 2022 NFL season.
"“To be able to be with us this entire offseason program and build a connection with his teammates and be able to gain their trust and do everything he’s done, I think has been great, and he’s been just great to be around,” Raiche said."
How it translates on the field will be the biggest question for the Browns and Deshaun Watson. There is talent to get the ball through but how impactful and explosive the offense is could depend on playmakers beyond Cooper and Moore. Can Donovan Peoples-Jones, Cedric Tillman and Marquise Goodwin make solid contributions in 2023? If not, should the team have their sights on another veteran star receiver for Deshaun Watson to get the ball to?
NFL rumors: Browns a landing spot for Mike Evans
The Mike Evans contract drama with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could lead to the star receiver being traded prior to the NFL Trade Deadline on Oct. 31.
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Entering the final year of his contract, Evans is looking for an extension from the Buccaneers with a Week 1 deadline. If Tampa fails to extend the 30-year-old receiver, a trade could be in the best interest of the player and the team. The Browns are a potential landing spot depending on how Moore grows within the offense.
Given Kevin Stefanski’s vision of the offense with Watson under center, it wouldn’t be shocking if the Browns went after Evans even if Cooper and Moore formed a dynamic duo in Cleveland. The more weapons, the better for the Browns.
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Let’s remember, the Browns have never shied away from trading for disgruntled star wide receivers. They struck a deal for Odell Beckham Jr., and obtained Cooper in similar fashion. All of this speculation depends on whether or not Evans gets his deal in Tampa and how the Browns roll through the first stretch of the 2023 NFL season.