3 Cleveland Browns alternatives at quarterback if Deshaun Watson deal fizzles
By Greg Newland
If the Cleveland Browns are unable to land Deshaun Watson, don’t expect their search to stop. Here are three backup options for 2022.
The Cleveland Browns are in the heat of a battle land star quarterback Deshaun Watson in a blockbuster trade. This isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, as Watson comes with some baggage and not the greatest reputation after some off-the-field issues.
Right now, the Falcons, Saints, Panthers, and Browns are all believed to be in the hunt, but many predict the Falcons may be in the lead. Looking at the contract of Matt Ryan and the cap situation of the Falcons, I have no idea how they can make the numbers work, but I could say the same thing about the Saints as well.
Watson is the most interesting story in the NFL right now. Just two weeks ago some feared he could be facing criminal charges and his time in the NFL could be over. Now after being cleared (of federal charges), the big question is how many first-round picks the Texans will get for him.
Keep in mind folks, there is a chance that the league will still suspend him for part of the 2022 season. I would stick my neck out and guess it will be a minimum of six games that he misses. So, give up multiple first-round picks, and lose him for a good portion of next season?
One thing has been made clear in Cleveland, and that is Andrew Berry is not a believer in Baker Mayfield. Some guys could handle a situation like this, but we all know Mayfield isn’t that guy. I don’t blame him, but he’s a dude that wears his emotions on his sleeve and has always played the underdog mentality.
At the end of the day, Watson may very well not be the quarterback for the Browns in 2022, but it’s looking more and more likely that Mayfield is also nowhere in the plans. Here are three backup scenarios if Watson chooses another destination.