The Cleveland Browns opened camp this week despite no new information on Deshaun Watson‘s impending suspension stemming from the multitude of sexual misconduct allegations against him.
The Browns do, however, have “a plan” for what they’ll do when the league does indeed suspend Watson, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski.
“We have a plan and as information becomes available we can adjust that plan,” Stefanski told reporters Wednesday. “But, short of that, I don’t have too much to add.”
What that plan entails remains to be seen, but Stefanski added that Watson and second-stringer Jacoby Brissett will both get “a ton of reps” – likely rotating the two in and out of first-team snaps, much like they did during spring practices.
This fits in line with what the Browns have been saying all offseason: That Brissett is their starter for as long as Watson is out of the picture. When Watson remains, Brissett will be the primary backup. They recently signed former 2018 first-rounder Josh Rosen to be the third or fourth quarterback in the room alongside Joshua Dobbs.
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What comes next for Watson, Browns
Right now, the only thing Watson and the Browns can do is wait until Judge Sue L. Robinson makes a decision on the punishment should be for Watson.
It’s been a month since hearings began for Watson’s suspension, but there’s been no word on if Robinson is close to releasing her verdict. When she does, there’s a chance the NFLPA appeals the decision, especially if she rules for a year-long suspension.
Watson settled 20 of the 24 civil lawsuits against him last month after allegations surfaced of various misconduct during massage sessions over the past several years. Watson has maintained his innocence throughout the scandal, though there is a high likelihood the NFL still suspends him for at least a portion of the 2022 season. He was traded from the Houston Texans to the Browns this offseason and signed a first-of-its-kind fully-guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal.
For all the Browns have done to improve on their disappointing 2021 season, Watson’s impending suspension has been the biggest storyline for a team many consider a contender in the AFC North. Cleveland also traded for wideout Amari Cooper and sent former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers after courting, acquiring and signing Watson.
What the Browns’ plan for their quarterback situation is, the team better hope it ends with something more positive than the coverage around Watson.
