Daily Dawg Tags: Will Deshaun Watson play all of 2022?
By Randy Gurzi
The Daily Dawg Tags bring you all the Cleveland Browns news you need to know, including a look at Deshaun Watson possibly playing all 17 games in 2022
As offseason programs quickly come into focus — the Cleveland Browns will begin those on April 19 — there are still a couple of looming situations that need to be figured out. One is out of the Browns hands, which is the availability of Deshaun Watson who could be facing a league suspension.
The other, they have more control of. That would be what happens with Baker Mayfield, who Cleveland would love to be able to trade.
In today’s Daily Dawg Tags, we look at both issues as Mary Kay Cabot answered a reader’s question about the possibility Watson will miss more time. Also, Terry Pluto looks at what options Cleveland might have in trying to move on from Mayfield.
Cleveland Browns News
"“The 22 civil suits are separate from the NFL’s investigation and might not have much bearing on Watson’s possible suspension. The NFL’s probe is ongoing, and anything can still happen for this season or beyond.”"
Mary Kay did mention that Roger Goodell doesn’t seem to be willing to use the exempt list on Watson, which means he will be able to play until a decision is made. As of right now, there’s no time frame so Watson could play all of 2022 — and yet still be facing a suspension.
“Q: So there are options for a Baker deal?
"A: I believe so. If the Browns have to pay part of Mayfield’s $18.8 million salary to make a trade work, so be it. That makes more sense than releasing him (and paying his full salary). Several teams would quickly try to sign him as a bargain basement free agent.”"
Like many others, Pluto thinks Seattle makes the most sense for Mayfield. They just moved on from Russell Wilson and a 70-year-old Pete Carroll is unlikely to be in the mood for a rebuild. Right now, they’re saying they’re fine with Drew Lock but that can’t be the plan going into the season.
Three best NFL free agents over 30 years old still available — Lou Scataglia, NFL Spin Zone
"“Honestly, I’m surprised Tretter hasn’t signed somewhere. Perhaps he is waiting for the right situation, but I can think of a plethora of teams who could use his services.”"
JC Tretter came in at No. 1 on this list and Scataglia is surprised he still doesn’t have a new hime. But maybe he shouldn’t be. The usually tight-lipped Kevin Stefanski said he was looking forward to a normal offseason where his team showed up, which was a little shade being thrown at Tretter who urged his team to avoid OTAs. He also hasn’t practiced in roughly two years, so teams might not be ready to bring in the NFLPA president who seems to have no interest in practice or offseason workouts.
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