The Cleveland Browns have yet to see the top version of Deshaun Watson that they hoped for when they signed the former Houston Texans wide receiver to one of the most absurd, unparalleled contracts in NFL history.
Watson has battled injuries and will be suspended in 2022, so their potential franchise quarterback has only played 11 games for the Browns in the last two seasons.
Cleveland is hopeful Watson can play a full season in 2024 and produce like he did in his final year with Houston.
In 2020, the former Clemson star tossed for nearly 5,000 yards, 33 touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions, earning a QB Rating of 112.4.
Deshaun Watson has always performed best when he has a big-bodied wide receiver to whom he can send the ball in 50/50 scenarios and be certain they will catch it. Currently, the Cleveland Browns do not have a player with that build on their roster.
In Houston, he and previous Clemson alum DeAndre Hopkins had an incredible run for several years and were largely recognized as the NFL’s best quarterback/wide receiver duo.
Wile Cleveland boasts an elite-level wideout in Amari Cooper, who is known for his high-level route running ability and breakaway speed, which sends defensive backs flying.
Tight end David Njoku is a big-bodied danger in the center of the field who developed tremendous chemistry with Joe Flacco at the conclusion of the 2023 season, but he and Watson haven’t played much together, and his function on an offense is very different from that of a wideout like Hopkins.
On a recent podcast, Watson made his case to another former Clemson undergrad, who appeared to have every trait he’s looking for.
While Ja’Marr Chase was regarded as the Cincinnati Bengals’ No. 1 wideout during the Joe Burrow era, Tee Higgins has played an equally important role in the team’s success, guiding a struggling club to the Super Bowl in only two years.
Higgins will be a free agent this offseason, and he will have options following a successful four years with the Bengals. During that period, he caught 257 passes for 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns, totaling over 1,000 yards in two seasons.
The former Clemson star is nearly certain to leave the Bengals, as teams throughout the league see him as a true No. 1 big-bodied threat, comparable to DJ Metcalf or AJ Brown. He’s due for a big paycheck, and with money tied up with Burrow’s massive extension and Chase on the verge of signing a contract, Higgins’ tenure in Cincinnati appears unlikely.
Tee Higgins was a guest on Deshaun Watson’s podcast “QB Unplugged” and made a public plea to sign with the Cleveland Browns.
You know what’s going on with us, guy. I know you are ready to go. “We want to pass the ball and will pass it a lot,” Watson remarked in the episode, which aired on January 26. “We will take care of you. Cleveland fans will adore you to death, and we have Clemson ties. We didn’t get to play with each other, but here is our chance. Come over to the Land.”
If the Browns want to sign Higgins, they will need to work some magic with their cap space. Spotrac estimates that his contract is worth $74.4 million over four years. That would put him at about $18.6 million each season, which may be beyond the Browns’ budget. The Bengals will also have the option to place him on the franchise tag and take him off the market.
Still, Deshaun Watson made it apparent to the Cleveland Browns’ front office that he needs additional weapons. Apparently, Tee Higgins is at the top of his list.
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