Cleveland Browns: 3 things to watch for heading into training camp

1. Deshaun Watson

Not only the biggest storyline surrounding the Cleveland Browns, but one of the biggest headlines league-wide is Deshaun Watson.

Judge Sue L. Robinson, the jointly appointed former federal judge, is in charge of reviewing four different cases against Watson, accusing him of sexual misconduct.

While nobody really knows when a decision is expected, or what the decision on discipline may be, the Browns are just like everyone else and are forced to sit back, waiting to hear a decision. Of course, the team is hoping to get a decision in the next day or so to get clarity on the situation prior to the start of training camp.

Until a decision is made, business is as usual for Watson at practice as if he will be the starting quarterback in the first game of the season in Carolina against the Panthers.

While Judge Robinson has likely already come to a decision, the process of explaining her decision is what is likely taking/going to take the most time. Sue Robinson is in no rush and wants to make her first case for the NFL very thoughtful and in-depth.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported early last week that a source he spoke with had reviewed the post-hearing briefs submitted to Judge Robinson thought Deshaun Watson would be suspended in the 2-8 game range.

This is a big difference from a year-plus, which was what was reported earlier this offseason. While nobody knows anything concrete, Watson should remain confident that he’ll be able to play a good chunk of the 2022 season as the Browns’ starting quarterback.

On July 21, the Browns signed quarterback Josh Rosen to 1-year deal, who is now the fourth quarterback on the Browns’ roster, along with Watson, Jacoby Brissett and Josh Dobbs.

Brissett will still be the Browns’ starter if Watson cannot play Week 1 in Carolina, however, there may be an open competition for the backup quarterback gig behind Brissett while Watson is out.

The Browns will head into camp with four active quarterbacks, which allows them the flexibility to move some pieces around depending on if/how long Deshaun Watson is suspended for.