Cleveland Browns: 3 dark clouds left to address this offseason

Cleveland Browns Dark Cloud to Address No. 1 – Will Deshaun Watson be suspended in 2022?

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, so remember, this conversation is about football only. I’m not here to open the door on the judgment of the off-field issues with Deshaun Watson right now. However, we can’t overlook that there is a good chance he could be suspended for a portion of the 2022 NFL season.

I have heard rumblings that they think there will be no suspension, and I have also heard that he could be suspended for the entire season. Truthfully, I don’t think anyone really knows, but the Brows have to be prepared to play a portion of this season without Watson available.

GM Andrew Berry signed Jacoby Brissett after trading away Case Keenum a few weeks ago. That move tells me he expects to be without Watson for at least a portion of the 2022 season. Brissett is cheaper than Keenum, but he has a lot of starting experience in the league and has had some decent success.

I don’t think the Browns can make the playoffs with him as the starter all year in the loaded AFC, but he certainly can get you to 500 if Watson would miss the first six games of the season.

I’m not an attorney and would never pretend to be, but it feels like if Watson is set on proving his innocence and doesn’t want to plead out, it could be some time before this is all over. On the flip side, if he does settle the cases, he is all but admitting guilt and would likely be suspended.

I’m operating under the “how many games” not “if he’s suspended” mentality, but I’m sure the Browns organization would love some clarity so they can continue working through the offseason.