Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is preparing to play what he hopes will be his first full season under center for the Browns in 2024, and he is already recruiting big-name free agents.
During an episode of his podcast “QB Unplugged” this week, Watson mentioned Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, who is slated to hit free agency this offseason.
It seems safe to say that Watson wants Cleveland to pursue Higgins in March and made a plea for him to link up with the club.
“You know what’s up with us man,” Watson said. “I know you are down to roll. We want to pass the ball and are going to pass it a lot,” Watson said on the episode, which went live on January 26. “We are going to take care of you. The Cleveland fans will love you to death and we have the Clemson ties. We didn’t get to play with each other but this is our opportunity. Come on over to The Land.”
Obviously, Watson wants some more help in the aerial attack. He already has Amari Cooper, but behind Cooper, the Browns’ depth at wide receiver is somewhat limited. Bringing Higgins aboard would give Cleveland a dynamic duo of wide outs and would move Elijah Moore down to the No. 3 spot. There is also tight end David Njoku, who enjoyed the best season of his career in 2023.
Here is the problem for Watson, however: the Browns don’t exactly have much wiggle room to sign significant free agents this offseason.
As of right now, Cleveland is $20.5 million over the salary cap, meaning the club will have to move some money around just to open up a little bit of space.
Tee Higgins will likely earn one of the biggest receiver contracts of the spring, so the chances of the Browns being the team to give it to him seem rather slim.
Still, you can’t blame Watson for trying.
Deshaun Watson played in just six games this season due to a shoulder injury that ended his campaign early.
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