Browns coach Kevin Stefanski: 'I want the best version of Deshaun Watson' entering 2024

The Browns are counting on quarterback Deshaun Watson to bounce back in his third year in Cleveland.

Watson’s 2023 season only saw him play in six games due to a shoulder injury. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said this week on The Rich Eisen Show that he believes Watson could return to Pro Bowl form in 2024.

“We always talk about how we want the best version of ourselves. I want the best version of Deshaun,” Stefanski told Eisen. “He is constantly getting better. I see so many of the veterans, Rich as you know, every single year you challenge them to get better. Even the guys who are at the height of their craft. Look at Myles Garrett, who is coming off being Defensive Player of the Year. He will be challenged by both of us, and I know he does this to himself, he needs to get better and there are things he can do to get better.

I am aware that Deshaun shares the same aspirations, he yearns for improvement and strives for enhanced performance in every game, every year. I’m thrilled about his current progress, although there’s still a lot of work to be done. I have no doubt that he will continue to improve and regain his health. I’m truly enthusiastic about Deshaun’s future.

Watson started the first three games of the season before suffering a shoulder injury against the Titans in Week 3. He missed the following two games before returning in Week 7. However, things took a turn in Week 10 against Baltimore for Watson, as it was later revealed the 28-year-old QB suffered a displaced fracture in his right glenoid.

Through his two seasons in Cleveland, Watson has played in 12 games. He was suspended 11 games during the 2022 season for violating the NFL’s personal-conduct policy.

The expectations for Watson are not only expected from his head coach but also from general manager Andrew Berry. In May, Berry said Cleveland has “high expectations” for Watson and the offense heading into this season after the club made the postseason last year with Joe Flacco. With Flacco now gone and Jameis Winston in the picture, Watson heads into minicamp and training camp as QB1.

Similar to most head coaches, Stefanksi is hopeful about the upcoming season during the offseason, particularly believing that Watson can improve his performance in 2024. The compulsory minicamp for Cleveland is scheduled to start on June 11.