The Cleveland Browns faced a significant setback in 2024, falling to a 3-14 record after a playoff appearance the previous season.
The team enters the offseason with numerous questions, particularly at quarterback. Deshaun Watson suffered a ruptured Achilles during the season and was initially on track to return for 2025. However, during his recovery, he re-injured the Achilles, requiring another surgery and putting his availability for the next season in serious doubt.
The Watson trade has not yielded the results the Browns hoped for, and The Athletic’s Jason Lloyd detailed the struggles in a column on Wednesday. Lloyd also revealed a disturbing incident involving Watson, where his agent, David Mulugheta, received a threatening email in June. The email, according to a police report obtained by The Athletic, threatened to either shoot Watson or burn down his house.
Authorities opened an investigation but eventually closed the case after being unable to identify a suspect.
Watson has been with Cleveland for three seasons but has only appeared in 19 games due to injuries and suspensions. Over that span, he has thrown for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. His 2024 season concluded with 1,148 passing yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions.
The Browns hold the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, where quarterback prospects like Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward could be available. Alternatively, they might select a top playmaker and pursue a free-agent quarterback to add competition for Watson upon his recovery.
The coming months are poised to be pivotal and highly intriguing for the Browns’ future.
