Browns Expected To Bring Back Deshaun Watson, Kevin Stefanski, Andrew Berry

[Vambo]

Browns Expected To Bring Back Deshaun Watson, Kevin Stefanski, Andrew Berry (msn.com)

Browns Expected To Bring Back Deshaun Watson, Kevin Stefanski, Andrew Berry© Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reports that the Browns are expected to bring back QB Deshaun Watson, HC Kevin Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry for the 2025 season.

Jones adds it’s uncertain what Watson’s role will be upon return from his torn Achilles, as he could be the backup to a rookie or other veteran option.

 

With a post-June 1st release of Watson, Cleveland would incur nearly $119 million in dead cap, which would be an NFL record. Jones states the Browns are not believed to release Watson in the offseason and he likely won’t pass a physical until late summer at the earliest. The Browns are not relying on him to be ready to start the season, per Jones.

Despite Browns consultant Mike Vrabel being a top candidate in this coaching cycle, Jones said there is no truth to the idea that Vrabel could take over for Stefanski in Cleveland. He also notes the Browns have been expecting Vrabel to leave for a promotion elsewhere.

Finally, Jones believes Cleveland is looking to keep RB Nick Chubb because of his playmaking abilities and significance to the organization. 

Watson, 29, was taken in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft out of Clemson by the Texans. He signed a four-year, $13.854 million rookie deal with the Texans that included a fifth-year option of around $17.3 million for the 2021 season.

 

The Texans later signed Watson to a four-year extension worth as much as $177 million heading into the 2020 season, paying him $39 million a year. However, Watson requested a trade after the season, then sat out the entire 2021 season while navigating more than two dozen lawsuits for sexual misconduct. He was later suspended for 11 games. 

Watson was traded to the Browns for significant draft compensation in 2022 and signed a five-year, $230 million, fully guaranteed contract as a part of the trade. The deal runs through 2026 and includes base salaries of $46 million in each of the final two seasons. 

In 2024, Watson appeared in seven games for the Browns and completed 63.4 percent of his pass attempts for 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. He added 31 carries for 148 yards and another score.

[Orion]

Basically, this is what you tell the media.  Even if your actual plans are 180 degrees in the other direction.  Only a fool would tell the media anything different.

[Dutch Oven]

4 minutes ago, Orion said:

Basically, this is what you tell the media.  Even if your actual plans are 180 degrees in the other direction.  Only a fool would tell the media anything different.

Yep.

The new Ohio State AD couldn't stop singing Ryan Day's praises the other day. If they lose their first round game at home vs Tennessee, all his nice words could (and should) be null and void the next day. 

[USFBrown]

15 hours ago, Orion said:

Basically, this is what you tell the media.  Even if your actual plans are 180 degrees in the other direction.  Only a fool would tell the media anything different.

I agree this is what you say to the media.  However - I remember when Kevin was saying Watson is our guy.  For weeks... I was thinking "yeah... of course he says this... but he'll pull him or start someone else when the time comes."  For weeks I thought this as I saw the ineptitude of this douche was playing.

All I'm saying is it would not surprise me if these doofuses continue to try this failed experiment.  We know Kevin has zero balls to make a change so if FO wants it, then it's a go.

[Dutch Oven]

1 hour ago, USFBrown said:

I agree this is what you say to the media.  However - I remember when Kevin was saying Watson is our guy.  For weeks... I was thinking "yeah... of course he says this... but he'll pull him or start someone else when the time comes."  For weeks I thought this as I saw the ineptitude of this douche was playing.

All I'm saying is it would not surprise me if these doofuses continue to try this failed experiment.  We know Kevin has zero balls to make a change so if FO wants it, then it's a go.

I don't think Watson will even be able to get on the field until the regular season starts, looking at the timeline most need to come back from an Achilles injury.

He coming back because with that contract he pretty much has to, but he can't be the starter if he can't play. He's going to miss all the OTAs and training camp. 

[Marvin the Martian]

4 hours ago, Dutch Oven said:

I don't think Watson will even be able to get on the field until the regular season starts, looking at the timeline most need to come back from an Achilles injury.

He coming back because with that contract he pretty much has to, but he can't be the starter if he can't play. He's going to miss all the OTAs and training camp. 

Not like missing all that will make a difference in the quality of his performance

[lodilobo]

On 12/14/2024 at 5:21 PM, Vambo said:

Browns Expected To Bring Back Deshaun Watson, Kevin Stefanski, Andrew Berry (msn.com)

Browns Expected To Bring Back Deshaun Watson, Kevin Stefanski, Andrew Berry© Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reports that the Browns are expected to bring back QB Deshaun Watson, HC Kevin Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry for the 2025 season.

Jones adds it’s uncertain what Watson’s role will be upon return from his torn Achilles, as he could be the backup to a rookie or other veteran option.

 

With a post-June 1st release of Watson, Cleveland would incur nearly $119 million in dead cap, which would be an NFL record. Jones states the Browns are not believed to release Watson in the offseason and he likely won’t pass a physical until late summer at the earliest. The Browns are not relying on him to be ready to start the season, per Jones.

Despite Browns consultant Mike Vrabel being a top candidate in this coaching cycle, Jones said there is no truth to the idea that Vrabel could take over for Stefanski in Cleveland. He also notes the Browns have been expecting Vrabel to leave for a promotion elsewhere.

Finally, Jones believes Cleveland is looking to keep RB Nick Chubb because of his playmaking abilities and significance to the organization. 

Watson, 29, was taken in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft out of Clemson by the Texans. He signed a four-year, $13.854 million rookie deal with the Texans that included a fifth-year option of around $17.3 million for the 2021 season.

 

The Texans later signed Watson to a four-year extension worth as much as $177 million heading into the 2020 season, paying him $39 million a year. However, Watson requested a trade after the season, then sat out the entire 2021 season while navigating more than two dozen lawsuits for sexual misconduct. He was later suspended for 11 games. 

Watson was traded to the Browns for significant draft compensation in 2022 and signed a five-year, $230 million, fully guaranteed contract as a part of the trade. The deal runs through 2026 and includes base salaries of $46 million in each of the final two seasons. 

In 2024, Watson appeared in seven games for the Browns and completed 63.4 percent of his pass attempts for 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. He added 31 carries for 148 yards and another score.

Well....they have proven to be fools many times....so, it's probably accurate.

[Canton Dawg]

I can't imagine the Browns front office actually watched film this offseason and thought their Quarterback room was satisfactory. If indeed they did feel that way...I'd have major questions about their ability to evaluate talent moving forward. Because they have no one at that position that gives them a realistic chance to win. They’re in the unenviable position of having so much capital invested in one player with so little ROI.

[Flugel]

On 12/15/2024 at 9:15 AM, USFBrown said:

I agree this is what you say to the media.  However - I remember when Kevin was saying Watson is our guy.  For weeks... I was thinking "yeah... of course he says this... but he'll pull him or start someone else when the time comes."  For weeks I thought this as I saw the ineptitude of this douche was playing.

All I'm saying is it would not surprise me if these doofuses continue to try this failed experiment.  We know Kevin has zero balls to make a change so if FO wants it, then it's a go.

If memory serves me right, Depodesta won a power struggle with Dorsey.  Dorsey was the guy that drafted Baker, Ward, and Chubb in the same draft.  He also brought Wyatt Teller over from Buffalo and made 2 or 3 Pro Bowls since.  

Depodesta was the guy that wanted to hire Stef.  The first time, it didn't happen.  The 2nd time it did.  It looks like there's a  silent obligation of "yes sir" going with something like that although I could be wrong.

Parcels once said "if you want me to cook the meal - then you should let me buy the groceries." I'd like to Stef speak up if that is the issue some of us think.  As for Berry, ships aren't built with bandaids - it's time to show us what he has in terms of drafting. Yes, I like JOK but we need more than that; especially when he's hurt.

[ballpeen]

On 12/14/2024 at 5:34 PM, Orion said:

Basically, this is what you tell the media.  Even if your actual plans are 180 degrees in the other direction.  Only a fool would tell the media anything different.

I agree.  What else is a spokesperson supposed to say while in season?

 

Contracts probably dictate they will be around next year.  If I dumped anybody, I'd dump Berry. The luster is starting to wear off that guy.

[Orion]

4 hours ago, ballpeen said:

If I dumped anybody, I'd dump Berry. The luster is starting to wear off that guy.

C'mon...he hasn't made a bad 1st round pick in 3 years!    

[AP1]

3 hours ago, Orion said:

C'mon...he hasn't made a bad 1st round pick in 3 years!    

That's a very optimistic approach I've never considered...another angle, at least none of us have been let down by the guys the Browns picked that didn't perform.

[Canton Dawg]

On 12/18/2024 at 8:18 AM, Orion said:

C'mon...he hasn't made a bad 1st round pick in 3 years!    

If you were to expand that to 4 years I would say Jedrick Wills was a wasted first round pick.

[Dutch Oven]

53 minutes ago, Canton Dawg said:

If you were to expand that to 4 years I would say Jedrick Wills was a wasted first round pick.

Greg Newsome hasn't exactly lit the world on fire either. 

He's been serviceable, but that's not what you are going for with a first rounder. 

[Kvoethe]

And in other news...the Browns are officially out of the running for the playoffs next year!!

[hoorta]

On 12/15/2024 at 10:19 AM, Dutch Oven said:

I don't think Watson will even be able to get on the field until the regular season starts, looking at the timeline most need to come back from an Achilles injury.

He coming back because with that contract he pretty much has to, but he can't be the starter if he can't play. He's going to miss all the OTAs and training camp. 

Why would the Browns even want him on the field with the level of play he's demonstrated?  I have to wonder if the only solution in 2025 will be to carry him one the roster and make him "Permanently inactive".  Flat out cutting him invokes a team trashing dead cap hit.  We're already under water as far as cap space goes.  

Amari Cooper was a salary dump- and it won't surprise me if there's plenty more in store.  

[TexasAg1969]

18 hours ago, Kvoethe said:

And in other news...the Browns are officially out of the running for the playoffs next year!!

But well ahead in the Tankathon poll. Meanwhile Garrett says, "Retire me or trade me. I'm tired of this shitty FO!"

Meanwhile it is rumored that a song could be heard at sea from an unknown QB who loves wine apparently.

 

[AP1]

2 hours ago, TexasAg1969 said:

But well ahead in the Tankathon poll. Meanwhile Garrett says, "Retire me or trade me. I'm tired of this shitty FO!"

It's a shitty situation all the way around, and the shitty situation was created by a shitty owner who picked a shitty Front Office. 

Myles is on a trajectory to be a HOF player. I'm no fan, but TJ Watt is also on a trajectory to be a HOF player.

Watt will retire a Steeler.

The Browns have f***ed this situation SO BAD, that there is no way Myles can retire a Brown AND be headed to the HOF.

They can't surround him with a roster to win to keep him around. 

It just makes me sick. I don't want him to leave. I want him to play out his career with the only NFL Team I've ever cheered for. He's literally on pace to be Top 3 or Top 4 in career sacks. 

But the picks they can get for him are needed to win. If any of you can convince me otherwise please do so.

I've had a front row seat to this and it's no fun. I live in Colts Country. Peyton Manning could be elected Mayor of Indianapolis and Governor of Indiana without even campaigning. 

Peyton played 13 seasons for the Colts and was part of the organization for 14. Won a Super Bowl and lost a Super Bowl. Got a statue at Lucas Oil Stadium. He played in Denver for four seasons. Won a Super Bowl and lost a Super Bowl. He lives in Denver. He's at Nuggets games. He's at Rockies games. He only comes back to Indianapolis if someone from that era gets put into the Colts' Ring of Honor.

I'd wager when people think of Peyton Manning, most think of the Broncos. If I was a Colts fan that would frustrate me to no end. 

This maybe be shallow, vaccuous and vapid, but I want Myles Garrett to always be thought of as a Brown. We have that luxury with Jim Brown and Joe Thomas.