Deshaun Watson Starts Browns’ Training Camp With Suspension Looming

The Cleveland Browns started Day 1 of their summer training camp this week and got their first look at their new quarterback Deshaun Watson for the first time at camp. But, the jury is still out on whether or not Watson will be their starting quarterback come September.

The NFL is still waiting on the verdict from an independent arbitrator after a disciplinary hearing was carried out a few weeks ago. Watson is still dealing with four of the 24 lawsuits filed against him months ago alleging sexual misconduct during private massage sessions. Watson has since settled 20 out of the 24 but is still waiting on a verdict from the NFL.

The Browns allowed all three of their rostered quarterbacks to get significant reps during camp, but Browns’ head coach Kevin Stefanski said that he will split reps between Watson and newly acquired Jacoby Brissett. Brissett was signed in March following the acquisition of Watson and is available to start if he is not able to play.

“I don’t have much to add on Deshaun’s status,” Stefanski told reporters, “We have a plan, and as information becomes available, we can adjust that plan.” When asked if he constantly checks on news on Watson’s status for 2022, Stefanski answered sternly, “If you’re anxious, I can’t help you. We just deal with it. That’s our mentality. We’re going to deal with July 27, and then we get to tomorrow, we’ll deal with tomorrow. That’s kind of how we operate.”

Watson has still maintained his innocence regarding the allegations. The NFL had recommended a suspension of at least a year but recent reports have come out stating that Watson may only receive a four or six-game suspension in 2022, which would be in the Browns’ best interest. Watson is only guaranteed $1 million for the 2022 season with the rest of his $230 million guaranteed salary prorated along the next four years of his contract.