When the Browns started their offseason work in 2022, they knew they had quarterback Deshaun Watson on the roster but they didn’t know when he’d actually be in the lineup.
Everyone expected Watson to serve a suspension, but the terms of it were not announced until August and that forced the Browns to have to prepare Watson and Jacoby Brissett to play over the course of the offseason. Watson, who didn’t play at all in 2021, wound up being banned for 11 games and he showed plenty of rust once he actually did get on the field.
This offseason will not feature those obstacles to getting ready to play and Watson called it a night-and-day difference in his comfort level on Tuesday. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski also addressed the change in circumstances.
“Certainly, for Deshaun to have that season under his belt, those experiences and be able to learn from everything that’s happened last year, into the past, I think he’ll be a better player for it,” Stefanski said, via Cleveland.com. “I think we’ll all be better for everything we’ve been through.”
Watson’s status offered an excuse for the Browns falling short of the playoffs last season. That won’t be available this year and Stefanski’s future with the club will likely be tied to the team’s ability to show that it truly is in a better place.