Daily Dawg Tags: Cleveland Browns missing out on J.J. Watt shouldn’t cause heartache
By Randy Gurzi
The Daily Dawg Tags bring you all the Cleveland Browns news you need to know, including one writer saying there shouldn’t be heartache over J.J. Watt signing in Arizona
It would have been nice if it happened and the Cleveland Browns surely could have signed J.J. Watt to the deal he landed with the Arizona Cardinals. But should we be heartbroken over the fact that Watt turned down what Cleveland had on the table to head to Arizona?
According to Terry Pluto, no.
The Plain Dealer writer was a bit surprised when the news was announced that Watt had picked his new team, but it wasn’t so much that it was the Cardinals — who none of us saw in the running. Instead, Pluto was shocked at the $31 million with $23 million guaranteed that Watt received.
Pluto dives into why he thinks the former three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year might have gotten more than he should have.
That story and more can be found in today’s Daily Dawg Tags.
Cleveland Browns News
Why I’m not heartbroken as the Browns miss out on signing J.J. Watt – Terry Pluto, Cleveland.com
"“You don’t need an advanced degree in analytics to show Watt has played only 48 of 80 games in the last five years. His biggest challenge will be staying on the field.In 2016, he had surgery for a herniated disc in his back. He fractured a leg in 2017. He tore a pectoral muscle in 2019.Those all needed surgery.The guy plays hard. He plays through pain. He’s also torn muscles in his groin and thigh. It’s why he is still a pretty good player, but not a dominating force.”"
Watt is a warrior and has played through some serious injuries. Having said that, the Texans have placed him in a position to be absolutely beaten up every game. Watt was constantly double and sometimes triple-teamed in Houston’s three-man line which is part of the reason for the wear and tear. Bottom line, he will be good for Arizona when he’s on the field, but there is some risk there.
"“General manager Andrew Berry can now help the organization build on last year’s success, but he and head coach Kevin Stefanski must remain patient with a roster that has the potential to become a perennial Super Bowl contender.”"
Cleveland has had some success already but they need to keep patiently building this team, rather than trying to go for it all in one year. Thankfully, the staff in place now seems as though they will take the right approach.
Can the Browns really afford Lavonte David? — Thomas Moore, Dawgs by Nature
"“Cleveland needs help at linebacker, but is the combination of David’s age and potential salary too much for the Browns?”"
Lavonte David would absolutely make the Cleveland defense better, but is his arrival worth the hefty price tag?
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3 Players Cleveland Browns should consider trading up for
Cleveland is currently sitting at No. 26 in the 2021 NFL Draft but there are some players who could be worth trading up for.