The Cleveland Browns shocked many when they went all in to land star quarterback Deshaun Watson via trade. This despite the former Clemson Tigers and Houston Texans signal caller having 23 sexual assault and sexual misconduct lawsuits hanging over his head.
The team did this even with 2018 No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield already having his fifth-year option picked up. The Browns saw Watson’s proven ability and future upside as too much to pass on. Rarely does a superstar quarterback who hasn’t even reached his prime become available.
The reviews have been mixed as more women stepped forward to accuse the embattled quarterback of misconduct. Despite the circus atmosphere, one player who’s ecstatic about Watson’s arrival is star edge rusher Myles “Flash” Garrett.
In an interview, the former Texas A&M Aggies star made sure to elevate his new teammate, while deflecting questions about his ongoing legal battles.
“I don’t know what happened,” Garrett said. “You don’t know what happened. No one in this room really knows what happened other than the people that were involved. I can’t move one way or the other based on hearsay, so I just have to move with the character of the man that I know from day to day, and it’s a good guy from what I’ve seen, from what I’ve played against, and from what I’ve seen in the building.”
The edge rushing monster they call Flash wasn’t done.
“It’s not every day you grab your whole offense and take them to the Bahamas, and treat them, and you’re respectful to the coaches. From what I’ve seen, he’s walked the right way, and whether he’s had a slip-up or not, I’m not the judge, I’m not the jury or the executioner. I’m here to play a game, and whether we agree or disagree with who he is off the field, that’s yet to be seen. But as far as the guy I know on the field, he’s special.”
I'm told #Browns QB Deshaun Watson is treating the offense to the Bahamas this weekend. The trip is for team-building and football chemistry as Watson has also secured a field there to continue offseason workouts.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) May 16, 2022
Garrett Joins Teammate JaDeveon Clowney In Endorsement Of Watson
With the uphill legal battle that Watson is fighting, many have decided to keep their comments to themselves, out of respect for the alleged victims and the media onslaught it could create.
But on Wednesday, Garrett spoke up on behalf of his new QB while also letting it be known he’s not in position to pass judgment. In Garrett’s case, he’s established himself enough in the league that he can handle any negative backlash from his comments. Garrett’s bookend edge rusher, JaDeveon Clowney, also spoke about his new uber talented offensive leader recently, lauding Watson as the key to a Browns Super Bowl run.
“I just want to chase that Super Bowl. We had a great defense last year. We went out and got some more key players on offense and defense, and I feel like we’ve got a shot.”
With Watson being the biggest fish of the entire offseason, Clowney should have Super Bowl aspirations. The two played together in Houston and have a profound respect for each other.
Garrett Was Huge Reason Team Re-Signed Clowney
Adding Watson was no doubt a crucial move. But bringing back Clowney is the type of front office play that could really pay dividends for a team that feels it’s equipped to play on Super Sunday. Throughout the offseason, there was growing concern that Clowney, the 2014 No. 1 overall pick, would sign elsewhere. But that market for him seemed light compared to what most believed it would be. All along Garrett lobbied to have him in Cleveland.
Jadeveon Clowney will not only complement Myles Garrett again, but set the bar high for DL draft picks Alex Wright, Perrion Winfrey and Isaiah Thomas pic.twitter.com/fnV6NpyT6H
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) May 22, 2022
Here’s what Garrett said as he recruited Clowney in free agency:
“I told him to get his ass here. That’s about it. We were probably the best duo in the league as far getting pressure.”
Good on Myles Garrett for recruiting Jadeveon Clowney back to Cleveland. That's what real leaders do. #Browns
— Nick Pedone (@NickPedone12) May 23, 2022
The two elite edge rushers combined for 25 sacks, 52 quarterback hits, 28 tackles for loss, and 134 quarterback pressures. They wreaked havoc on opposing offenses weekly.
