Cleveland Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson made waves and received backlash when he stated in late July that he “could give two [expletive] what other people say” about him as he enters his third season with the team.
Backup quarterback Jameis Winston spoke to the media on Thursday and shared that Watson still holds high expectations for his future with the Browns.
“He wants to be — and will be — a Super Bowl-winning quarterback,” Winston expressed about Watson, according to Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. “And honestly, that’s what I’m here for, because I guarantee you, I’m feeding that into him. I’m making sure that he knows that. And he really doesn’t need my help because he has it.”
Despite Winston’s support, there is no concrete evidence that Watson can regain the form that made him a three-time Pro Bowl selection with the Houston Texans. He has only started 12 regular-season games since the end of the 2020 season, and he is recovering from a shoulder injury that can be detrimental to quarterbacks’ careers.
It is now public knowledge that the Browns brought in Winston to replace fan-favorite Joe Flacco this offseason to provide support for Watson. At the very least, Winston is proving to be a great motivator for Watson this summer.
“He was built for resilience,” Winston commented on Watson. “So, honestly, I know he respects everyone’s opinion. But the most important opinion to him is himself. And I know he’s working through a lot of different things, but he’s happy. He’s poised. He isn’t fazed by anything anyone has to say because he’s on a mission to be the best quarterback he possibly can be.”
Concerns arise within the Browns organization, which awarded Watson a lucrative five-year, $230M contract in March 2022, as they are uncertain about his potential with the team.
Rumors about the Browns looking for ways to part with Watson’s contract as soon as possible resurfaced this winter. The team’s future is at stake unless Watson can prove he can remain healthy for a significant portion of a season and perform at an elite level.
