Browns Prepping For Watson's Potential Long-Term Suspension

In this screengrab, Deshaun Watson accepts an award during the 22nd Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration on February 06, 2021.

The NFL has yet to officially reveal its alleged lengthy suspension of Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns.

Regardless, the franchise is reportedly bracing for the worst.

Charles Robinson of Yahoo reported that the three-time Pro Bowler could be meted a year-long suspension, entirely depending on how the arbitrator rules his situation.

But the scribe added that if this should be the case, Watson and his legal team could sue the NFL if the year-long suspension is levied.

"I'm told his camp and the NFLPA have already made the decision to file a lawsuit against the league in federal court," Robinson stated.

Regardless, an unnamed source claims that the Browns are preparing for the inevitable.

Watson could be reasonably forced out for two to eight games, something that could pose a problem for Cleveland.

Hence, the Browns could end up leaning on Jacoby Brissett as their starter for those games.

If not, there is also the possibility that Cleveland could look at the available quarterbacks in the market.

One name that comes to mind is 2017 NFL MVP Cam Newton, Pro Football Talk reported.

But as most know, Newton has not exactly performed well in the past NFL seasons. Hence, adding him asks further questions.

Assuming the Browns go with Brissett, Newton would assume the backup quarterback role for Cleveland.

There is also the possibility that Newton could be the starter instead of Brissett–entirely depending on how either performs before the 2022-23 season starts.

The Browns’ training camp is set to open on July 26 with all these questions in the air.

Aside from Newton, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com has suggested a couple of other names who could fill in the Browns’ quarterback slack.

She mentioned a couple of names in the free agent market with experiences such as A.J. McCarron and Mike Glennon.

In all, it has boiled down to finding a quarterback who can hold up the fort for the Browns, assuming Watson is handed a suspension by the league.

It would be a short-term fix but potentially a chance for these free agents to hook up with the Browns at least until the end of the 2022-23 season.