CLEVELAND, Ohio — In this edition of Hey, Mary Kay! I answer questions about Deshaun Watson’s availability for 2022, wide receivers and more.
Hi Mary Kay, I just read that both parties in the Deshaun Watson litigation have decided not to have any trial from August 1, 2022 to March 1, 2023. Does this mean that, barring any suspension from the NFL, it will be available to the entire 2022 season? And if so, are we looking at a suspension that could happen in 2023? —Gregory Tesoriero, Marco Island, Florida.
Hi Gregory, The 22 civil lawsuits are separate from the NFL investigation and may not have much to do with Watson’s possible suspension. The NFL investigation is ongoing, and anything could still happen for this season or beyond. I asked commissioner Roger Goodell at the NFL annual meeting if investigators, led by Lisa Friel, will interview more of the 10 Watson accusers they’ve already spoken with. He indicated that could happen, and then the league will likely interview Watson. With developments regularly occurring in civil litigation, including Watson having to reveal what happened between him and the 18 massage therapists who supported him, the league will be very thorough in its investigation and not move too quickly.
Goodell said he is unlikely to place Watson on his Exempt List — essentially a paid leave of absence that doesn’t count toward the list — due to the two grand jury non-indictments, meaning suspension or a fine are likely options. . But there is no time frame, and even the Browns haven’t received one. In the meantime, Watson will be fully involved in the offseason schedule beginning April 19 and preparing as if the season is kicking off.
Hi Mary Kay, With Buffalo and Kansas City recently in the news about their stadiums, it revived the subject in my mind regarding future stadium plans for the Browns. How could the acquisition and the significant financial and organizational commitment made to Deshaun Watson accelerate the Browns’ new stadium plans, if at all? — Matt Nickless, Atlanta, Ga.
Hi Matt: At the NFL annual meeting two weeks ago, the Haslams told us that plans are underway to upgrade FirstEnergy Stadium along with the lakefront development that the city and its development partners have taken over. A completely new stadium is not in the plans for now. “Our part now is going to focus on how do we bring the stadium to a better level, so I think we’ve started interviewing and thinking about architects and engineers etc,” said Jimmy Haslam. “We’re in the early stages of starting to have those conversations and then hopefully linking them with the work that the city and associations are doing with waterfront development. Hopefully we get there.”
Hi Mary Kay, Do you think the Browns will make a move at wide receiver before, during or after the draft? Could Baker Mayfield be involved in any of those moves? Thank you! —Alexander Lanzdorf, Bedford Heights, Ohio
Hello Alejandro: I think the Browns will explore any and all opportunities to improve their receiving corps, including acquiring receivers who could make it to the trade block before, during or after the draft. General manager Andrew Berry is on the hunt for a No. 2 receiver to pair with Amari Cooper, and he’s leaving no stone unturned. It doesn’t sound like the Seahawks are willing to part with DK Metcalf or Tyler Lockett, but the Browns would certainly be interested in them or anyone else of that caliber. They also continue to do a lot of diligence on college prospects like Treylon Burks and Christian Watson, who visited Cleveland in the top 30 on Friday. Jarvis Landry also remains a possibility, and they could draft a receiver at No. 44, or possibly even trade to take one.
One way or another, the Browns will add another starting-caliber receiver for Deshaun Watson, and maybe another complementary weapon. They figure they’ll play quite a few three-receiver sets this season, and a few four. It will be nothing like the 27th ranked passing game of 2021.
Hi Mary Kay, Do you think a trade package that includes Baker Mayfield, Greedy Williams and a 2022 second-round pick would be enough to get DK Metcalf out of Seattle? —Steven C, Beavercreek, Ohio
Hi Steven: The Seahawks, who aren’t buying Metcalf and don’t want to trade him, would reportedly need at least two first-round picks to start the convo, effectively eliminating the Browns. At this point, I don’t think Seattle wants to give up much for Mayfield, but it would be interested in him at a bargain price. In that case, I don’t think Mayfield, Williams and a 2022 second-round pick will do it. Having said that, as I mentioned earlier, the Browns would certainly be interested in Metcalf if the Seahawks were willing to trade him.
Hi Mary Kay, What do you think about the possibility of the Browns considering adding another veteran midlevel linebacker to play in Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Anthony Walker, possibly with Sione Takitaki as a third down? If you agree, what are some names that come to mind? —Matt Midkiff, Mansfield, Ohio
Hi Matt: There aren’t many quality free-agent linebackers available, though Malcolm Smith, 32, is still available and might be worth bringing back. He knows the system well and gets the job done. The Browns also have Tony Fields II, their 2021 fifth-round pick out of West Virginia, ready to make an impact this year after injury setbacks last season. He is comparable in versatility to JOK. Sione Takitaki, a solid running defender, is ready for more duties this season. I think they’ll be fine in place as long as they add another piece or two from the veteran or rookie rows.
Hi Mary Kay, We know the Browns viewed Nick Harris as the eventual replacement for JC Tretter when it became too expensive to keep him. Do the Browns see James Hudson III the same way, as the eventual replacement for Jack Conklin? Or is he seen more of a swing tackle like Chris Hubbard? —Benny, Los Angeles.
Hi Benny, Ideally, Hudson will become a starter, which is what the Browns probably expected when they drafted him in the fourth round out of Cincinnati. Hudson started four games as a rookie and got some good playing experience. Right tackle Jack Conklin is expected to recover sufficiently from his torn patella surgery to start the season, but if he needs more time, Hudson will be a candidate to replace him, along with Hubbard. Hudson can play either side and will serve as tackle until he is ready to start. Conklin, a two-time first-team All-Pro, heads into the final year of a restructured deal that will pay him a guaranteed $8 million by 2022, with $4 million in incentives based on playing time.
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