ORLANDO, FLA. — Browns owner Jimmy Haslam was asked during training camp last July about setting expectations for the team. At the time, while acknowledging the expectations were high, he didn't want to get into setting a hard and fast number for wins in the season.
Haslam recalled that conversation on Monday evening as he spoke with a small group of five beat writers, including the Beacon Journal , at the NFL owners meetings.
"Let me go back to one thing at the Greenbriar," Haslam said, "you all tried to get me to pin an answer on how many games we'd win and what was the magic number. And I think I said a lot depends on injuries. So, to go 11-6 with major injuries to major players, I think those guys did a great job."
There was one major player who had a major injury who stood out above the rest. That was quarterback Deshaun Watson , who spent October dealing with a rotator cuff sprain that cost him three-and-three-quarter games before sustaining a season-ending broken glenoid in Week 10 against the Baltimore Ravens .
Those injuries came on the heels of his initial season in Cleveland when he missed the first 11 games due to a suspension for NFL personal conduct violations in connection with the more than two dozen allegations of sexual assault and sexual misconduct related to massage appointments. That suspension led Haslam to state going into last season that that was, in theory, the figurative Year 1 for Watson.
Then the figurative Year 1 went sideways as well. Which has only amplified how important this season will be for the quarterback the Haslams are paying a fully-guaranteed $230 million over five years.
"Listen, I don't think you can count the first year because it wasn't his, well, I'm just going to say he was suspended for 11 games," Haslam said. "Let's leave it that. And last year he had a tough year in turns of injuries. So, I think his rehab is going well. (Head coach) Kevin (Stefanski) and (offensive coordinator) Ken (Dorsey) went out to see him a couple of weeks ago. (Trainer) Joe Sheehan was out last week to week to watch him throw. He'll be there on April 15 when we start conditioning and meetings. So, we're excited to see Deshaun and are very optimistic that he'll be ready to roll. Everybody understands how important quarterback is in the NFL."
Haslam merely echoed the same sentiments about the former three-time Pro Bowl quarterback as both Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry did during their time to speak to the gaggle while in Orlando. All of them focused on the now, talking up the progress he's reportedly made through the course of his rehab, which includes the re-introduction of throwing within the last week or so.
The Browns solidified the depth chart behind Watson this offseason. They added seasoned veteran and former No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston to be Watson's backup, while former Baltimore Ravens backup Tyler Huntley was brought in as well on a veteran's minimum deal.
Who wasn't brought back was Joe Flacco , who became the Browns' fourth different starting quarterback last year in December after Dorian Thompson-Robinson sustained a concussion in Week 12. He quickly became a fan favorite after going 4-1 as a starter in the regular season and becoming the first Browns quarterback to throw for 300-plus yards in five straight games, including the playoff loss at the Houston Texans .
Haslam also joined the chorus line of individuals with the Browns who defended going in a different direction at the position. Flacco ultimately signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts .
"First of all, Joe Flacco came in and played well for us," Haslam said. "And he's a great guy. He really is. And it was interesting because you got to remember, (wife and Browns co-owner) Dee and I were with the Steelers when the Ravens were their big rival. And I've told him this, so I couldn't stand Joe Flaco. So, to meet him and get to know he and his four or five kids and his wife was great. It was great to have him with us.
"Again, Andrew makes the decision and there's multiple factors in terms of who was the best to bring in to be our number two quarterback. And he settled on Jameis. So, we're excited about it. We wish Joe nothing but the best. And he got a nice contract."
Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Jimmy Haslam 'very optimistic' Browns QB Deshaun Watson will be ready
