Browns start offseason workouts with Watson
Quarterback Deshaun Watson showed up to his new workplace Tuesday just like the Cleveland Browns expected he would.
After being acquired on March 18 in a controversial trade, Watson attended the first day of the Browns' voluntary offseason workout program.
The Browns dealt three first-round draft picks and three other selections to the Houston Texans for Watson, who faces 22 active lawsuits from women accusing him of sexual misconduct or sexual assault during massage appointments and a likely NFL suspension.
Watson, who has denied all wrongdoing and had two Texas grand juries decline to indict him on 10 criminal complaints, received a record-setting fiveyear contract from Cleveland worth $230 million fully guaranteed.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield wasn't spotted at Browns headquarters Tuesday, a league source said. He awaits a trade from the Browns with his 2022 salary of $18.858 million guaranteed presenting an obstacle.
The Browns won't begin organized team activity practices until May 24. Mandatory minicamp is set for June 1416, when players are contractually obligated to report to the team for the first time this offseason.
Given Watson's trepidation about joining the Browns, it was almost comical for snow to fall Tuesday in Berea as the franchise opened its voluntary offseason program.
Watson informed the Browns on March 17 he would not waive the notrade clause in his contract to play for Cleveland after meeting with team brass two days earlier. Owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam said the weather in Northeast Ohio was a hurdle in their attempt to recruit Watson.