Deshaun Watson is fully confident in Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry’s ability to manage the cap and add players this offseason.
The Browns appear to be in a difficult situation. The Browns’ over-the-cap deficit is $19.6 million. Cleveland is anticipated to make some moves this offseason, including restructures and extensions, which will provide them with some flexibility.
Watson has stated that he believes the Browns should go big-game hunting for a top-tier wide receiver to pair with Amari Cooper. He made a public appeal to Tee Higgins, the pending Cincinnati Bengals receiver. On the most recent episode of his “QB Unplugged” broadcast with Quincy Avery, Watson emphasized his desire for Higgins, as well as any other high-caliber wide receiver.
“Of course I want Tee. S**t, I want all the top receivers if I can,” Watson stated on the show, which began airing on February 2. “At the end of the day, I’m simply throwing out a small nugget. Who knows what will happen. I have no control over it or who we bring in through free agency.
Shortly after, Watson voiced confidence in Berry’s long-term plans.
“All of this is planned. “If you really listen to Andrew Berry, he’s telling you the game plan, the blueprint,” Watson explained. “We’re straight, we know exactly what we’re doing for the next five years.”
Browns Not Concerned About Deshaun Watson’s Contract
One of the key moves the Browns can make this summer is to restructure Watson’s deal. In each of the next three seasons, he will be subject to a $63.9 million cap hit. Cleveland could free up almost $33 million in cap space by restructuring Watson’s contract.
It’s on the table, but Berry isn’t ready to discuss it just yet.
“I’ll be honest, I’m not there yet,” Berry told Zac Jackson of The Athletic. “It’s not a necessity (to lower that), but it just kind of depends on how we put the plan together.”
Watson is Berry’s biggest gamble. The Browns traded three first-round picks for Watson, who also received a $230 million fully guaranteed contract. Watson has appeared in 12 games over the course of two seasons, and his performance has been inconsistent.
Berry feels “good” about Watson, but his health is the most crucial thing for him going ahead.
“We have good feelings about Deshaun,” Berry stated. “I think the most important thing is that he stays on the field. Every year, we aim to conduct as much self-assessment as possible in all areas of the organization. So, in good and poor years, (we) will most likely tweak with what we believe is best. We’re really excited about Deshaun. We just want to make sure he is healthy.”
Deshaun Watson on Schedule for Return From Injury
Watson appeared in only six games last season, missing time with two separate shoulder issues. He underwent season-ending shoulder surgery on November 21 and has been recovering ever since.
Watson plans to be on the field for training camp and the most of the Browns’ offseason exercises.
“Probably another four to five weeks on the front end,” Watson stated at the end of January. “And at least another three weeks after that.” We often start tossing in the three-to-four month timeframe, which is about April. Hopefully, if everything goes well, I’ll be able to complete spring. We’ll see when we get closer to it.”
Watson has thrown for 2,217 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions with the Browns.
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