The Cleveland Browns should look for upgrades if Deshaun Watson is suspended

The Cleveland Browns will more than likely look to upgrade at quarterback if Deshaun Watson is suspended.

The Cleveland Browns may not be done making moves this offseason with regards to the quarterback spot. They’ve already made three trades involving the position, acquiring embattled and controversial Pro Bowler Deshaun Watson, while also trading away backup Case Keenum to the Buffalo Bills and Baker Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers.

The Browns have also signed former starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who played for the Indianapolis Colts and the Miami Dolphins.

Now, however, the Browns may not be done. According to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, the belief is that the Browns will look into signing a free agent quarterback should Watson receive a lengthy suspension for 2022. Right now they have only one other quarterback on the roster, Joshua Dobbs.

Here’s what Cabot had to say;

"With training camp beginning July 27, the Browns are hoping for a decision sooner than later so they can plan accordingly. If Watson is out for a lengthy period of time, they’ll will sign a quarterback to back up interim starter Jacoby Brissett."

The Cleveland Browns would be wise to look into another option

The Cleveland Browns should have already made phone calls pertaining to the situation. Regardless of if the Browns lose Watson for the season (or beyond), the team should be cultivating relationships with free agents right now, just to gauge their interest.

The hope is that the ruling on Watson’s eligibility is known before the start of camp, which would allow the Browns to pitch some names and bring in guys to try out for the season. There’s not a lot of huge free agents out there, but there are some guys who could, even if only for a few games, provide something that the Browns need.

Considering I’m not very high on Dobbs (or Birssett for that matter), the Browns have to look for an upgrade at the position. So if Watson is out, not signing or trading for someone would be hugely problematic.

If Watson is out longer than a season or is given an indefinite suspension, I would expect the Browns to then change gears on signing a backup, to trading for a starter. As of right now, the Browns are not in on Jimmy Garapolo, according to Cabot’s article. That may change, however, if the Browns are forced to go a season or more without a realistic starter.