The Cleveland Browns made a big risk trading for star quarterback Deshaun Watson two seasons ago. And thus far, it hasn’t exactly worked out due to concerns about not only inconsistent play from Watson but also issues with being able to stay on the field.
Watson struggled individually when he was able to play for the Browns last season. But perhaps even more concerning was that he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury that has carried into this offseason.
The Browns desperately need some consistency at the quarterback position if they are going to be contenders in the AFC heading into the 2024-25 season. And luckily, it sounds like Watson could be getting quite close to being fully healthy.
Watson spoke with The Athletic’s Zac Jackson on Tuesday, stating that he has begun to throw at full speed with no limitations. He also added that he plans to participate in offseason OTAs on “some level”, but that his focus is to be fully ready by training camp.
Watson said he's "throwing full speed," no limitations with motion or velocity. Said some days he's making 40 throws, some 60, and following doctors' lead. Said "the plan" is to participate in OTAs (late May/early June) on some level but the focus is on training camp.
— Zac Jackson (@AkronJackson) April 16, 2024
This is clearly a positive update from Watson. And luckily, it sounds like he has plenty of time to both get fully healthy and get up to speed ahead of the upcoming season.
Still, there has to be a bit of a concern about what Watson has offered the Browns on the field since joining the team. He obviously showed during his time with the Houston Texans that when he is right, he is among the top quarterbacks in all of football.
But it has been a while since we have seen him that way. And it may be a fair question to ask whether he can ever regain the form that he showed in Houston.
