Browns Coach Sends Strong Message on Deshaun Watson’s Role With QBs
Deshaun Watson has had a positive impact on Dillon Gabriel's development.
Deshaun Watson has not sniffed the field this year, and may never put on a Cleveland Browns uniform ever again. But he is having an impact on their offense and rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, specifically.
Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees opened up about Watson’s impact on Gabriel’s development through his first NFL season, including his first NFL win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
Watson, of course, reinjured his Achilles tendon in January, which prompted the Browns to overhaul their quarterbacks room. Watson has been pushing to make a return, yet Gabriel has played well since taking over for Joe Flacco after the 40-year-old was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Deshaun Watson’s Relationship With Dillon Gabriel Has ‘Really Been Positive’
Watson may not seem like an ideal mentor for a 24-year-old based on his catastrophic fall from grace. But according to Rees, Watson’s presence has been beneficial on the first-time NFL starter.
“He goes out of his way to help him talk through some coverages, talk through things like that,” Rees said.
Whatever you want to say about Watson’s controversial, injury-marred tenure with the Browns, Watson sure could play the quarterback position when healthy. He made the Pro Bowl three times as a member of the Houston Texans before they traded him to Cleveland for three first-round picks.
Plus, whatever Gabriel has gotten from Watson has worked. Gabriel has not yet thrown an interception in three starts, tossing three touchdowns while completing 72.2 percent of his 18 passes against the Dolphins in the rain Sunday.
Plus, whatever Rees is seeing has been backed up by coach Kevin Stefanski.
“He’s doing a great job at rehabbing, good job in meetings,” Stefanski said last week of Watson.
Deshaun Watson Is Unlikely To Play This Year — and May Never Suit Up For The Browns Again
This is the fourth of Watson’s fully guaranteed five-year, $235 million contract, which means fans who have been counting down the days until his contract expires are getting closer to freedom.
The Browns will owe Watson an appalling $80 million-plus in dead money if they release him after June 1, according to Over The Cap. Yet, if they also release him after June 1, that dead cap hit will be spread over his void years.
But with Gabriel on an entry-level contract of a third-round pick, plus Shedeur Sanders backing him up and Myles Garrett locked into a huge deal, the Browns could swing that deal to rid themselves of Watson’s stench — particularly since his contract is untradeable.
Or the Browns could decide simply to suck up Watson as the highest-paid backup quarterback in NFL history — even more so than Kirk Cousins with the Atlanta Falcons this year — then be rid of the Watson mistake rather than compounding it through the rest of the 2027 season.
Watson has only thrown for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and 465 rushing yards and three scores in a Browns uniform. What’s worse is he’s only played 19 games for the Browns, mainly due to injuries and an 11-game suspension in 2022 for violating the NFL’s personal-conduct policy.
Jared Goff Unleashes Fiery Speech at "No Kings" Protest in Chicago, Criticizes Donald Trump’s Influence on Politics
In a surprising and impassioned moment, Jared Goff, the star quarterback for the
The protest, organized under the slogan "No Kings, Only People," aimed to dismantle authoritarian leadership and demand greater accountability from political leaders. While Goff is known for his leadership on the football field, his growing presence as a vocal advocate for social and political causes has garnered attention outside of sports. His appearance at the protest took many by surprise, but his words resonated deeply with the crowd.
“I’m tired of seeing this country controlled by one man’s ego,” Goff declared passionately. “We can’t let someone like Trump decide the future of our nation. What we need is real change, not more of the same. The time has come for the people to rise and demand a government that listens to all its citizens, not just the powerful few.”
Goff’s speech was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the crowd, many of whom echoed his frustrations with the current state of American politics. His sharp critique of Trump, framed around rejecting kingship in favor of true democracy, struck a chord with those present, who are passionate about dismantling the influence of the wealthy elite and ensuring that political power is returned to the people.
Though Goff’s remarks have sparked both praise and controversy, they underline his growing influence beyond the football field. With the 2024 election season in full swing, Goff’s willingness to speak out has drawn attention to the intersection of sports, politics, and athlete activism.
Goff, who has emerged as a respected leader in the NFL and a fan favorite in Detroit, has solidified his position as not only a star quarterback but also a politically engaged figure whose voice is becoming increasingly influential. His message at the "No Kings" protest is sure to fuel further debate as the nation navigates its complex political landscape in the coming months.
