BEREA, Ohio — Quarterback Deshaun Watson mentioned Wednesday that his confidence is again heading into his second season with the Cleveland Browns.
“I really feel actually good,” Watson mentioned after Cleveland’s second minicamp observe, which featured him finishing a number of spectacular passes in opposition to the group’s protection. “The most important factor is the arrogance degree, understanding who I’m, trusting what I do, trusting the work that I put in these previous couple years to get again to this place I am in. … So, I am having fun with myself. I am having enjoyable.”
Watson was suspended 11 video games final yr for violating the NFL’s private conduct coverage by committing sexual assault, as outlined by the league, in opposition to therapeutic massage therapists. Watson has settled 23 of the civil circumstances filed in opposition to him however nonetheless faces two lawsuits that stay energetic.
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In six video games after the suspension, Watson ranked simply twenty sixth within the league in QBR (38.3), because the Browns went 3-3 and completed with a document of 7-10. Watson additionally sat out all the 2021 season after requesting a commerce from the Houston Texans.
“In the event you stopped doing one thing for thus lengthy, you simply naturally lose that confidence as a result of you have not been enjoying at that degree,” Watson mentioned. “So, you overlook, your physique and your muscle reminiscence, overlook how briskly and the way to do issues. … Each time I bought again on the sector final yr, I used to be constructing that confidence up. … Having this offseason and being full throttle, [the confidence has] positively have caught again up with me.”
The Browns traded for Watson final March. They despatched Houston three first-round draft picks within the commerce, then signed Watson to a five-year deal price $230 million assured, which stays essentially the most in NFL historical past.
Watson participated in Cleveland’s offseason program final yr, together with its minicamp. However halfway by coaching camp, he started splitting snaps with backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who began the primary 11 video games whereas Watson served the suspension. Watson did not resume training with the Browns once more till Nov. 14.
“I am fairly far forward of the place I used to be final yr,” Watson mentioned. “I am getting comfy with the place I am in, getting comfy being right here in Cleveland.”
