Deshaun Watson 2023 Outlook
Watson's return after a 700-day layoff went about as expected -- occasional bursts of brilliance from the three-time Pro Bowler plus some easy misses and timing problems, all of it covered in a layer of rust. Among QBs who attempted at least 150 passes, his 58.2 completion percentage ranked 36th. He didn't get on the same page with star WR Amari Cooper until the Week 17 win at Washington with two TD hookups, and he only rushed for more than 33 yards in one of his six starts. "Last year it was just a whirlwind, but it was a good learning lesson for myself and a chance for me to be able to grow," Watson said. "Coming in this year, I'm ahead of the game from where I was previously." The Browns added disgruntled Jets WR Elijah Moore and veteran WR Marquise Goodwin and used their first pick (74th) in the 2023 draft on Tennessee WR Cedric Tillman, and TE David Njoku is coming off his best season.
Deshaun Watson 2022 Outlook
Watson informed the Texans that he was willing to waive his no-trade clause to be dealt to Cleveland, and now Watson is a Brown. Cleveland gave Watson a new five-year, $230 million contract. The full $230 million is reportedly guaranteed, setting a record for highest guarantee given to an NFL player. Watson has made three Pro Bowls during his career and led the NFL in passing (4,823 yards) during the 2020 season. In fact, over his first 17 starts in the NFL Watson produced 5,002 yards from scrimmage and 42 touchdowns. In his most recent 17 starts, he topped that yardage at 5,488 and produced 36 touchdowns. His career 8.3 yards per pass attempt leads all active quarterbacks. For the Browns, their recent acquisition of Amari Cooper becomes much more interesting than it would have been with Mayfield at the helm of Kevin Stefanski's offense. That offense, by the way, has been run heavy. Expect some adjustments in that with Watson under center. But all the expectation should be held in check at the moment. Although the QB settled on 20 of the 24 civil suits alleging sexual misconduct filed again were settled in June, Watson is still subject to potential discipline under the NFL's personal-conduct policy. Drafting Watson for the upside he brings while on the field is understandable, but you'll need to invest in a viable option as insurance against the possibility of a suspension for some period of time.
Deshaun Watson 2021 Outlook
Where to begin? Watson's future in Houston has been one of the biggest storylines in the NFL this offseason. After he demanded a trade in January, all indications are Watson is resolute in the notion he will not take another snap with the Texans. On top of that, Watson is dealing with off-field legal issues, as 22 civil suits by various masseuses who claimed the QB coerced and/or sexually assaulted them and the subsequent investigations by both the Houston Police Department and the NFL were ongoing as we went to press. Still, new GM Nick Caserio and coach David Culley have said that Houston is "committed" to Watson as its quarterback, and the team has consistently indicated it has no interest in trading the three-time Pro Bowler. All this comes after a season in which Watson set career highs in passing yards, touchdowns and completion percentage. He also threw a career-low seven interceptions. The quarterback's best individual season didn’t equate to victories, however, as the team went 4-12 and fired coach and general manager Bill O'Brien after an 0-4 start. Even with a new staff and diminished supporting cast, the fantasy upside with Watson is undeniable. Drafting him as your QB2 and hoping for the best (while being prepared to hit the waiver-wire as needed) isn't the worst idea we’ve ever heard. Just understand the risk.
