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3 next steps now that the Cleveland Browns have Deshaun Watson

By Greg Newland

Nov 7, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws a pass during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

After Andrew Berry was able to land Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns need to complete these three tasks to be Super Bowl contenders.

I’m not sure there has ever been a bigger surprise in the NFL than when Deshaun Watson announced today that he would be joining the Cleveland Browns. After a week of pursuit, many expected him to pick the Atlanta Falcons or New Orleans Saints.

At the end of the day, money talks. Not only did Andrew Berry fork up three first-round picks, and two additional picks in the third and fourth rounds, he also gave Watson a five-year, $230 million contract that was fully guaranteed.

There’s no doubt that Watson is a major upgrade at the position. Baker Mayfield is a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL, but Watson takes the Browns from playoff contenders to Super Bowl contenders.

The big question now is what next.

How many games will he be suspended in 2022? And how will the Cleveland fan base welcome him with his off-the-field sexual assault claims? Many expect him to miss six games, with the high side of eight, and I do think it will take some time for everyone to get on board.

I know very few details about the situation, but my guess is Watson will get his chance to speak on the topic and it will be interesting to see how he handles that — and how the front office does as well.

The Browns now have their quarterback, but there are a few holes left on the roster. With less draft capital now, don’t be shocked to see them get more aggressive in free agency. Rumors are that the first two years of this agreement are extremely cap-friendly, so the Browns need to push all their chips in.

Here are the next three moves you could see in the next few days.

Home/Browns Free Agency