The Deshaun Watson era in Cleveland is off to an inauspicious start after the Browns traded for the former Houston Texan in March 2022.
His first season was abbreviated by an 11-game NFL suspension, and shoulder injuries derailed 2023.
However, there is no questioning the talent Watson brings to the Browns organization, and if he is ready physically and mentally, Cleveland could repeat their Wild Card performance of last year and even more.
Watson is not resting as he prepares for the fall campaign and a chance to regain the star status he enjoyed early in his professional career.
ESPN Cleveland highlighted a video showing Watson completing a strenuous workout regimen – while on vacation.
Browns QB Deshaun Watson putting in that work on vacation! pic.twitter.com/4pe03bfDxU
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 4, 2024
The former Clemson standout was drafted in the first round in 2017 and got a taste of NFL action in six games.
The following two seasons produced eleven and ten wins and established him as one of the top players in the league.
Even in a downtrodden four-win campaign in 2020, Watson threw for an NFL-high 4,823 yards.
But scandals abruptly halted his rise to stardom, and he spent 2021 on the sidelines for what was designated a “non-injury reasons/personal matter.”
Despite the sexual harassment allegations swirling around the star, the Browns parted with a bevy of high draft picks to acquire his services.
The suspension is history, and from the looks of the exercise video, any lingering shoulder issues are also gone.
If Watson is at full strength and ready to go come September, a good Cleveland squad could be a force to be reckoned with in the AFC.
