Receiver for the Browns “seriously considering” joining a new team
Austin Watkins is considering his options after receiving a reserves/future deal offer from the Cleveland Browns.
On Monday, January 15, the Browns announced the signing of nine players to reserve/futures contracts. Linebacker Charlie Thomas III, defensive end Isaiah Thomas, tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden, defensive end Lonnie Phelps, running back John Kelly Jr., receiver Jaelon Darden, defensive end Vincent Gray, and defensive tackle Chris Williams were among t
According to Brad Stainbrook of theOBR.com, Watkins was not on that list and is currently considering his next course of action.
On Monday, January 15, Stainbrook tweeted, “Source: WR Austin Watkins Jr. was offered a reserves/future deal with Cleveland, but is currently weighing his options before making a final decision.” “Watkins Jr. is considering his options carefully and has options elsewhere.”
During the four exhibition games, Watkins led the Browns in receiving yards, which helped him gain popularity among fans. Of the players in Cleveland, he was the only one with more than ten receptions (16 for 257 yards and two touchdowns). This included a fantastic seven-catch performance for 139 yards against the Philadelphia Eagles.
At the conclusion of the preseason, he was cut, but he was later added to the practice squad. This season, Watkins was not selected for a game.
The beginning of the new league year marks the activation of futures contracts. Teams can sign players in order to be ready for the next season during the offseason, when practice squads are not in session.
Among the well-known figures who inked deals on Monday was Darden. He signed a deal with the Browns during training camp. Darden didn’t stay long in Tampa Bay despite being the Bucs’ fourth-round selection in 2021. In 21 games, he has made eight receptions totaling 69 yards. In addition, he’s returned 21 kickoffs with an average of 20.3 and 50 punts with an average of 9.4.
Next season, Darden might have a part in the return game. Jakeem Grant, a return specialist, will be available as a free agent. Due to injuries that ended the season, Grant has missed the previous two. In the preseason, he broke his patella in his knee. Due to an Achilles injury, Grant was sidelined for the entire 2022 campaign.
After a humiliating 45-14 Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans, the Browns’ offseason began earlier than the team would have preferred. Cleveland will now need to choose some important players for their roster.
Players who will be free agents this offseason include linebackers Sione Takitaki, Anthony Walker Jr., Harrison Bryant, tight end, pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith, and running back Kareem Hunt.
As the Browns attempt to work around Deshaun Watson’s contract, they might also need to perform some cap gymnastics. Thanks to the $230 million fully guaranteed contract he inked with the team after the 2022 trade that brought him to Cleveland, Watson will have $63.9 million count against the cap for the upcoming season.
Nick Chubb, the running back, will probably be the subject of a revised agreement. Chubb is presently recovering from a knee injury that ended the season and necessitated two surgeries. Although his precise return date is still unknown, he is anticipated to be available at some point during the upcoming season. Chubb’s current contract has a $16 million cap that he will be counting against. Dead money from his release would come to just $4 million.
