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Browns | Jacoby Brissett the next man up? Sun Jun 26, 06:18 PM
Cleveland Browns QB Jacoby Brissett will likely start in place of QB Deshaun Watson if he gets suspended, ESPN's Jake Trotter said. Trotter notes that QB Baker Mayfield has 'no intention of playing for the Browns again,' and 'Cleveland has no plans for this to happen, either.'
Footballguys view: Zero surprise here. Mayfield is likely to be traded either to the Seahawks or the Panthers, and that leaves Brissett as their starter. Watson is expected to face a lengthy suspension, perhaps as long as the entire 2022 season, meaning Brissett should have plenty of time under center this year for the Browns. Adjust expectations for the offense accordingly. |
Jacoby Brissett player page
Baker Mayfield player page
Updating ongoing reports, Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson's joint disciplinary hearing conducted by the NFL and NFLPA will begin Tuesday, June 28, with Sue. L. Robinson serving as the appointed disciplinary officer, sources told ESPN.
Footballguys view: The expectations for Watson's suspension have gone up to a year, if not longer, if not an indefinite suspension. The NFLPA will push for something in the 6-12 game range, but it's unclear whether Watson will accept that, and his recalcitrance might influence the league to not back down from their recommendation for the suspension length. We are likely to see Jacoby Brissett start at least half, if not all of the games for the Browns this year as the team's relationship with Baker Mayfield seems to be beyond repair. |
Deshaun Watson player page
The NFLPA believes Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson could get suspended for the entire 2022 season, if not indefinitely, for his off-the-field issues, according to sources. The Browns are also bracing for a lengthy suspension.
Footballguys view: We should know more about Watson's status next month. Perhaps the league makes a decision in early July, or perhaps the league announces a decision right before training camp at the end of the month. Either way, things seem to be trending towards at least an 8-game suspension if not longer. That means QB Jacoby Brissett should be the starter for the Browns for quite some time...if not most of the 2022 season. |
Deshaun Watson player page
Cleveland Browns CB Denzel Ward (foot) said he'd be ready for training camp, but he said 'we'll see' when he was asked if he'd be ready for the start of camp July 27.
Footballguys view: Ward is the the Browns #1 corner, so if he's not 100% to start the season, that could greatly help D.J. Moore's matchup in Week 1. The Jets, Steelers and Falcons also face the Browns in Weeks 2-4. We'll be watching this situation in training camp. |
Denzel Ward player page
Free-agent LB Dakota Allen (Jaguars) signed an undisclosed contract with the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday, June 21.
Link to storyDakota Allen player page
Cleveland Browns RB D'Ernest Johnson was left off of the 53-man roster projection submitted by ESPN.com's Jake Trotter on Tuesday, June 21. However, Trotter also notes the former undrafted free agent could be a 'prime training camp trade candidate.'
Footballguys view: Johnson signed his one-year tender earlier this month, and he's there to be the no.3 back behind starter Nick Chubb and primary backup Kareem Hunt. We've seen Johnson be productive with opportunity, so now he waits his turn for more opportunity - whether that's with the Browns or not. If traded, rookie Jerome Ford would get the opportunity to be the Browns third-string running back. |
D'Ernest Johnson player page
Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson settled all but four of the 24 lawsuits against him, according to attorney Tony Buzbee on Tuesday, June 21.
Footballguys view: The other four lawsuits are expected to be settled as well, and the agreements will be kept confidential. Watson did not play last season, and he's expected to face a lengthy suspension this season. The highest paid player in the league, Watson could be starting for the Browns at some point later in the year. Jacoby Brissett is there to start if/when Watson is suspended. |
Deshaun Watson player page
Cleveland Browns CB Greedy Williams (ankle) is dealing with a sprained ankle, per source. Williams is expected to be fine for training camp.
Link to storyGreedy Williams player page
The Cleveland Browns are willing to pick up half of QB Baker Mayfield's salary in a trade, MMQB's Albert Breer reported on Friday, June 17. 'They're willing to take on a fair amount of Baker's salary,' Breer said. 'Like nine, 10 million dollars.'
Footballguys view: We're getting more movement on the Mayfield situation, and something could be done with him before the start of training camp. The Panthers have interest, perhaps the Seahawks too, but teams have been insisting the Browns pay a large chunk of his salary. He has a cap hit of $18.8 million (fully guaranteed) playing on his fifth-year option in 2022. |
Baker Mayfield player page
Cleveland Browns RB Kareem Hunt said he hopes to sign contract extension with the Browns at some point but is not sure of the team's interest level. He said his agent has had some discussions with the Browns but does not know how far the talks have gone.
Footballguys view: Hunt is incredibly talented and could be a lead back for at least a dozen teams in the NFL, but he serves as a backup to Nick Chubb in Cleveland. His cap hit of $6.25 million in 2022 ranks 8th in the NFL for running backs, and it's above what Chubb is on the books for this season ($5.2 million, 13th). We could see the Browns letting him go next offseason in free agency as they have D'Ernest Johnson and fifth-round RB Jerome Ford on the depth chart behind Hunt and Chubb. |
Kareem Hunt player page
Cleveland Browns CB Denzel Ward (foot, ankle) suffered a left foot injury in practice on Thursday, June 16, but he is expected to be ready for the start of training camp on July 27 after an MRI and X-rays revealed no serious structural damage to his foot.
Link to storyDenzel Ward player page
Mark Maske, of the Washington Post, reports that multiple people familiar with the case said the NFL will seek a "significant" suspension under the league's personal conduct policy. A person familiar with Watson's side of the case said the league will "probably" seek a full season suspension, A person familiar with the league's view of the case cautioned against specifying a length - but that "significant" would be the proper term for the length. A person with knowledge of the matter said the league wants the process - including any appeals - to end by July 27, when the Browns open training camp.
Footballguys view: Previous estimates of eight games as a likely length for a suspension may have been superceded by new cases and more importantly new negative publicity around Watson, including HBO and New York Times coverage of the case. Jacoby Brissett will be the starter for any stretch that Watson is suspended. Baker Mayfield is still on the roster, but most view that as a temporary, assuming the Browns and Carolina Panthers can agree on how much of Mayfield $18.8 million 2022 salary Cleveland takes in a trade. If Watson doesn't play a game in 2022, the fantasy outlook for all Browns takes a big hit, but especially Amari Cooper in his first season with the team. |
Jacoby Brissett player page
Deshaun Watson player page
Baker Mayfield player page
Fourth-round draft choice PK Cade York (Louisiana State) signed a four-year contract with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, June 16. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
Link to storyCleveland Browns WR Jakeem Grant (undisclosed) and CB Greedy Williams (undisclosed) did not participate in practice Tuesday, June 14.
Link to storyJakeem Grant player page
Greedy Williams player page
Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson is set to face two more civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct, attorney Tony Buzbee revealed on Monday, June 13. With those two added, Watson will be facing 26 in total.
Footballguys view: This situation could lead to a lengthy suspension for Watson, but it could also mean the Browns try and get out of his contract. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio believes the Browns could void Watson's contract if he's suspended for conduct related to the latest allegations against him. |
Deshaun Watson player page
Cleveland Browns OT Jack Conklin (patella) is not participating in mandatory minicamp as he continues his recovery from the torn patellar tendon he suffered in late November of last season.
Link to storyUpdating an ongoing story, Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield may need to take a salary reduction into the range of $12 to $14 million if he wants to be traded, according to CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones. Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper refuses to pay Mayfield's full salary of $18 million in guaranteed money, but Jones posits there's a path to Mayfield being traded if Cleveland were to leave Carolina responsible for approximately $4 to $6 million in exchange for a Day 3 draft choice. Jones sees the deal happening as soon as the end of OTAs, provided Mayfield is indeed willing to take a cut in pay. Jones notes this is a similar path to what led Carolina to trade QB Teddy Bridgewater to the Denver Broncos in 2021.
Footballguys view: The Browns are going to have to pay handsomely for the privilege of getting Mayfield off of the roster. This should cast a shadow on Sam Darnold's value in superflex leagues, but Mayfield would still have to beat him out in training camp. Adding Mayfield wouldn't affect the value of D.J. Moore or anyone else in the Panthers passing game. |
Baker Mayfield player page
Nate Ulrich, from the Akron Beacon-Journal, reports a reunion of the Cleveland Browns and WR Odell Beckham Jr seems unlikely according to sources.
Footballguys view: This matches earlier reports from Browns camp that indicates upgrading the no.2 wide receiver position is not really a priority. Behind Amari Cooper, guys like Donovan Peoples-Jones and rookie David Bell will compete to establish a pecking order. Both RBs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt will catch passes out of the backfield, and TE David Njoku is expected to be a larger part of the passing game in 2022. Peoples-Jones is a late-round flier for Fantasy GMs if he wins the no.2 job opposite of Cooper. |
Odell Beckham Jr player page
Free-agent WR Odell Beckham Jr. (Rams) is unlikely to sign with the Cleveland Browns despite speculation that the possibility is being considered, according to a league source
Link to storyOdell Beckham Jr player page
Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield will be excused from mandatory minicamp when it begins on Tuesday, June 14, according to sources.
Footballguys view: The Browns and Mayfield are going to part ways at some point. Teams are freezing out the Browns because they want them to pick up part of his tab. That's why Seattle or Carolina haven't traded for him yet. There's no need to get him hurt during minicamp and crush his trade value. |
Baker Mayfield player page
The Cleveland Browns 'have had internal discussions' about a possible reunion with WR Odell Beckham Jr., according to a source.
Footballguys view: Beckham is most likely going back to the Rams, but nothing is out of the question with his injury uncertainty and revival before going down during the Super Bowl. He and Will Fuller are the most interesting free agent wide receivers left on the market. |
Odell Beckham Jr player page
Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson has concluded his interview process with the NFL as the league continues to look into allegations of sexual misconduct against the quarterback, who is facing 24 civil lawsuits.
Footballguys view: Watson could see a suspension handed down before the season as it appears the league doesn't need to wait for the legal process to play out. The publicity around Watson has taken another negative turn, which is a factor in determining punishments, so a half season or more suspension is not out of the question. Jacoby Brissett is going to be the Week 1 starter if Watson is out unless the relationship between Baker Mayfield and the team gets patched up. |
Deshaun Watson player page
Cleveland Browns restricted free-agent RB D'Ernest Johnson signed a one-year contract with the Browns Saturday, June 4, worth as much as $2.433 million. The deal includes $900,000 in guaranteed money.
Footballguys view: Johnson has talent and has thrived with a larger role, but that won't happen unless injuries hit on the depth chart in front of him like they did last season. As of now, Johnson is the no.3 RB for the Browns behind Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. |
D'Ernest Johnson player page
Updating a previous report, Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson will face a 24th civil lawsuit alleging sexual misconduct when it is filed on Monday, June 6, according to attorney Tony Buzbee.
Footballguys view: There has been no decision on any suspension for Watson, but he has met with league officials recently. Watson is allowed to practice with the team all the way to the start of the regular season if he is suspended. The Browns have QB Jacoby Brissett to start if/when Watson misses time. |
Deshaun Watson player page
Cleveland Browns WR David Bell has seen reps with the first-time offense during OTAs.
Footballguys view: No surprise here. Many around the team have said he's in line for the slot role as a rookie. Bell was highly productive in college at Purdue, and his game is about strong hands and concentration. Camp reports indicate he's worked both outside and in the slot. He's a savvy pass-catcher who could end up being a trusted target for QB Deshaun Watson. |
Cleveland Browns RB Kareem Hunt and the team have not engaged in 'substantive extension talks,' according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. However, Hunt is still very much in the plans for the 2022 season, per Cabot.
Footballguys view: Hunt is going to play a sizable role for the Browns this year. He'll work as a backup to RB Nick Chubb, and Hunt can thrive with any role - as a runner or receiver out of the backfield. Chubb is a low-end RB1 with Hunt checking in as a flex play for Fantasy GMs in 2022. |
Kareem Hunt player page
Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson is set to face a 24th civil lawsuit, attorney Tony Buzbee revealed to the Associated Press on Wednesday, June 1. Buzbee filed a 23rd civil lawsuit alleging sexual misconduct on Tuesday, May 31.
Footballguys view: The NFL has not made any decision on Watson's availability for the 2022 season. The Browns made a huge move to acquire him, and they paid a fully guaranteed contract to secure his services. They still have QB Baker Mayfield on the roster, but everyone thinks Jacoby Brissett would get to start if/when Watson is suspended. |
Deshaun Watson player page
Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson is now facing a 23rd civil lawsuit alleging sexual misconduct after one was filed on Tuesday, May 31, by attorney Tony Buzbee. Watson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, says the quarterback 'vehemently denies the allegations, just as he has since she first discussed them with members of our firm in March of last year.'
Footballguys view: ESPN's Sarah Barshop reports that according to the petition, the plaintiff "changed her mind about filing a lawsuit after watching the HBO Real Sports piece" that aired last Tuesday. The NFL has not finalized a decision on a suspension for Watson, and this latest allegation might further delay any ruling. |
Deshaun Watson player page
The Cleveland Browns and RB Kareem Hunt haven't had 'substantive extension talks,' The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot reported. She also notes Hunt is 'still very much in the Browns' plans for this season.'
Footballguys view: There's no telling where Hunt is going to play in the future. However, there are plenty of rumblings about him having a sizable role with the Browns this year. In fact, there are reports coming out of Browns camp that Nick Chubb and Hunt have been seen on the field together plenty of times. From a fantasy perspective, Chubb is a low-end RB1 while Hunt is a flex play in PPR formats. |
Kareem Hunt player page
Free-agent WR T.Y. Hilton (Colts) has not received interest from the Cleveland Browns.
Footballguys view: According to reports, the Browns do not consider the no.2 receiver a priority. They have WR Amari Cooper as their top target, and behind him guys like Donovan Peoples-Jones and rookie David Bell will compete to establish a pecking order. There are rumblings about more than one team (besides the Colts) being interested in Hilton, but it sounds like that team is not the Browns. |
T.Y. Hilton player page
The Cleveland Browns are hiring former Philadelphia Eagles southwest area scout Shawn Heinlen to a similar role, according to sources.
Link to storyMary Kay Cabot, from the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports Cleveland Browns RB Kareem Hunt is still very much in the team's plans for the 2022 season.
Footballguys view: Reports from Browns OTAs indicate Hunt and RB Nick Chubb are seen on the field at the same time quite a bit. Hunt is in the final year of his contract with the Browns, and the team should use him in a RBBC with Chubb once again this year. From a fantasy perspective, Chubb is a low-end RB1 while Hunt is a flex play in PPR formats. |
Kareem Hunt player page
Nick Chubb player page
Mary Kay Cabot, from the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports a source told Cleveland.com that free agent WR Will Fuller would love to sign with the Cleveland Browns so he could play with QB Deshaun Watson again.
Footballguys view: Fuller is a free agent, so any team would be a place he'd love to go. The speedy veteran should find a home before the start of training camp, and the Browns do make sense. However, in this same report there is an opinion the Browns are not prioritizing the no.2 WR behind Amari Cooper. Fuller had a forgettable 2021 season with the Dolphins - marred by suspension, injuries and ineffectiveness. His best days were in Houston catching passes from Watson, so perhaps they'll rekindle that on-field work this year with the Browns. |
Will Fuller V player page
Deshaun Watson player page
Mary Kay Cabot, from the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports the Cleveland Browns are happy with their WR corps even though Amari Cooper is their only proven veteran, and don't feel compelled to add a bona fide No. 2 just for the sake of it.
Footballguys view: There have been rumors the Browns were one of the teams interested in free agent WR T.Y. Hilton, but apparently that's not the case. Behind Cooper, guys like Donovan Peoples-Jones and rookie David Bell will compete. After those three, guys like Anthony Schwartz and Jakeem Grant will work to round out the position. With TE David Njoku expected to take on a larger role in the passing game, plus a trio of capable RBs as receivers, QB Deshaun Watson will have plenty of targets this season. |
Amari Cooper player page
Mary Kay Cabot, from the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports the Cleveland Browns have no plans to cut QB Baker Mayfield. Cabot writes "if the Panthers and Seahawks are waiting for the Browns to cut Baker Mayfield so they can get him on the cheap, they better not hold their breath."
Footballguys view: Seattle and Carolina could use Mayfield, but they want the price tag to come down to acquire Mayfield. If the Browns were to pick up part of his salary - maybe even most of his salary - then those two teams would bite. At this time, we have a staring contest between teams who could use Mayfield and the team that doesn't want Mayfield anymore after trading for QB Deshaun Watson. When mandatory minicamp rolls around Mayfield would be fined around $95,000 if he missed all three days. However, reports suggest Mayfield could work out at the facility but not with Watson or his backup QB Jacoby Brissett. Stay tuned. |
Sam Darnold player page
Baker Mayfield player page
Drew Lock player page
Cleveland Browns WR Jakeem Grant said he signed with the team this offseason because the coaching staff plans to utilize him in a variety of ways. 'That really sealed the deal with being more involved in the offense,' Grant said. 'I feel like this year is the stepping stone to show people I'm a legitimate receiver.'
Footballguys view: Grant is tough to get a bead on when he's got the ball in the open field. He's lightning quick and can make ankle-breaking moves after the catch. Grant is small, measuring around 170 pounds, and should mainly contribute on special teams as a return man for the Browns. We'll see what kind of plan the coaching staff could have in place for Grant as a gadget receiver on offense. |
Jakeem Grant player page
Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku, who was franchise tagged earlier this offseason, agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension worth a reported $56.75 million - including $28 million guaranteed - on Friday, May 27. Per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Njoku's average earning of $14.1875 million per season will make him the league's fifth-highest paid tight end.
Footballguys view: The move was rumored to be coming earlier in the week, and the two sides were able to get a deal done well ahead of the July 15 deadline for franchise tagged players. Njoku has always had the talent and natural skill set to produce at a high level. His numbers have been held back by injuries and other guys on the depth chart splitting time with him. With Austin Hooper (Titans) gone, the Browns will be leaning on Njoku more than ever. He's a TE2 with TE1 upside for Fantasy GMs in 2022. |
David Njoku player page
Cleveland Browns restricted free-agent RB D'Ernest Johnson is participating in voluntary workouts even though he still has not signed his tender offer.
Footballguys view: Johnson is due $2.43 million if he signs the tender, which isn't chump change in the running back market. No team can sign him to an offer now as the deadline passed for RFA offer sheets. He might be trying to negotiate a long term deal for more security, but the Browns took Jerome Ford in the fifth round, so they may not be eager to invest more in the position right now. Johnson should sign the tender soon, as the Browns could still rescind it and make him a free agent in a buyer's market if they get impatient. Expect Johnson to be the third string back and not worth a redraft pick, but last year he showed he is startable if Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt miss time. |
D'Ernest Johnson player page
Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson and WR Amari Cooper were putting in extra work together on a side field during special teams drills at organized team activities on Wednesday, May 25. The Akron Beacon Journal's Nate Ulrich noted that the pair were 'working route after route' and that there's a 'huge emphasis on the connection between Watson and Cooper.'
Footballguys view: Watson is the superstar quarterback the Browns have been looking for, and Cooper is set to be one of his primary targets on offense. Extra work off to the side is a great thing as the two establish what is hopefully rock solid chemistry. Watson may be suspended this year for part of the season, and a decision on that could happen before the start of training camp. Cooper is a WR2/WR3 for Fantasy GMs with upside this year - depending on when Watson is out there. |
Amari Cooper player page
Deshaun Watson player page
Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku is close to a new deal with the team as they're close on all but the guarantees.
Footballguys view: The Browns placed the franchise tag on Njoku just to give them more time to get a deal done. Everyone seems to be confident that will happen before the July 15th deadline. Njoku is skipping organized team activities until the contract is finalized, but expect him at mandatory minicamp. |
David Njoku player page
Cleveland Browns DE/LB Jadeveon Clowney's one-year deal is worth $10 million with $9.25 million guaranteed and an extra $1 million available in incentives.
Link to storyJadeveon Clowney player page
Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson's status for 2022 remains up in the air after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell didn't give a timeline for a disciplinary ruling when speaking to the media on Tuesday, May 24. Goodell did note that that the league is 'nearing the end of the investigation.'
Footballguys view: The NFL has met with Watson, and further meeting are expected to take place in the near future. That means things are coming to a conclusion. The Browns are ready with QB Jacoby Brissett to start if/when Watson is suspended. Stay tuned, as most expect a decision to come in June or July. |
Deshaun Watson player page
Free-agent TE Nakia Griffin-Stewart (Chiefs) signed an undisclosed contract with the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday, May 24. The Browns also waived TE Nick Guggemos.
Link to storyFree-agent CB Reggie Robinson (Browns) signed with the Cleveland Browns Monday, May 22. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to storyReggie Robinson II player page
Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield will not report for the start of voluntary workouts Tuesday, May 24.
Footballguys view: No surprise here. Things will get more interesting when mandatory workouts begin. There's still a chance that Mayfield winds up with the Panthers or the Seahawks, but it's a bit surprising he hasn't been moved so far. The Browns have moved on with Deshaun Watson as their starter, and they have experienced veteran Jacoby Brissett to play if/when Watson is suspended. Mayfield will get a fresh start somewhere else in 2022. |
Baker Mayfield player page
Cleveland Browns QB Felix Harper was waived Monday, May 23.
Link to storyCleveland Browns LB Jadeveon Clowney turned down multi-year offers, some worth $14-$15 million per year to return to Cleveland.
Link to storyJadeveon Clowney player page
Free-agent DE Jadeveon Clowney (Browns) agreed to a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns worth up to $11 million, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Link to storyJadeveon Clowney player page
Mary Kay Cabot, from the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports the NFL could make a decision on a possible suspension for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson in June or July.
Footballguys view: This sounds about right, and it's a timetable that most expected. Watson was interviewed by the NFL last week, and there is likely to be a second round of interviews in the near future. Once that happens, the league will make an announcement on any possible suspension. There are still 22 pending civil lawsuits against Watson, but the NFL could decide to suspend him based on him violating the NFL personnel conduct policy. The Browns have Jacoby Brissett to start if/when Watson is suspended. Stay tuned. |
Deshaun Watson player page
Cleveland Browns rookie WR David Bell could be the frontrunner to start as the slot receiver, in the opinion of Andrew Poisal of Browns.com. 'The frontrunner to be next for the role could be third-round rookie David Bell, who had three seasons of top-tier production at Purdue and possesses a strong set of hands that should work well in the position. The Browns appear ready to work Bell in both slot and outside roles, but the slot role could be primarily his if he performs well in training camp,' said Poisal.'
Footballguys view: Bell projects as a high-floor/low-ceiling starter in the NFL. He lacks dynamic speed, but Bell wins with size, strength and body control. Bell is a savvy pass-catcher who reminds some in the scouting community of Michael Pittman. We'll see if he can improve his consistency after the catch to make the most of his rookie season in the pros. |