It seems everything is falling apart for the Cleveland Browns and Deshaun Watson, who was keen to play in his 5th NFL season in 2022. He was currently undergoing a trial for allegedly violating the league’s personal conduct policy and was recommended for a six games suspension on Monday.

This ruling was based on all the investigations and evidence submitted before the disciplinary officer, jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA. But it seems the NFL was not satisfied with the final judgment and has resorted to appealing for a tougher penalty.

Now it all comes down to the NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who has the supreme authority as an appeals officer to impose strict punishment. His judgment shall remain as a final verdict, even if Watson approaches a federal court for help.

According to NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the league will seek an indefinite suspension. ESPN’s Jeff Darlington claimed per his sources that the league’s appeal also includes a monetary fine.

If all of these continue for a few more weeks, then the situation for the Browns will become even more miserable.

Moreover, their former quarterback Baker Mayfield has also left the locker room. After a long wait, the Browns finally secured a deal with the Carolina Panthers in July this offseason. It was agreed that Mayfield’s new team will pay him $5 million, and the remaining $10.5 million by the Browns.

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Meanwhile, he also nodded to trim down $3.5 million of his base salary. Although Mayfield has secured a safe landing spot, the question is what’s next for the Browns in the upcoming season.

Who will be the starting QB for the Browns in the absence of Deshaun Watson?

This offseason, the Cleveland Browns went in pursuit of an impactful signal-caller despite having Baker Mayfield on the roster. They officially signed the former Texans QB with a massive deal of $230 million, fully guaranteed for five years. It means, on average, Watson could earn $46 million per year.

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While uncertainties loom over Watson’s availability, finding a substitute for his place becomes necessary. Although players like Jimmy Garoppolo are still available in the market, the franchise will move ahead with their backup options, per reports. And Jacoby Brissett is at the helm to secure the spot.

Meanwhile, there are other options like Colin Kaepernick and other free agents. Some floating ideas were even suggested to bring Sam Darnold; however, the possibility of this happening seems very unlikely. Well, it will be interesting to see how the management fills the void for Watson in the upcoming 2022 season.

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