Browns Training camp is finally here. Players report this week, and it couldn’t have come soon enough. There are still a few lingering questions, but soon the interweb will be full of videos, analysis and opinions. Well, there’s already too much analysis and opinions, but at least the promise of actual games is right around the corner. However, there is still some unfinished off-season business.
Deshaun Watson Suspension. After the league leaked, they would be happy with a twelve-game suspension, the NFLPA leaked if they felt the suspension was too long, they are prepared to sue the league. There are predictions on the suspension from a year to no games and a heavy fine. Judge Susan Robinson is reportedly going to take her time with a ruling, but a decision could be announced by the end of this week. In other words, no one knows anything, except for Judge Robinson.
Perrion Winfrey’s Contract. Winfrey remains the only Browns draft pick not signed. Both the team and Winfrey’s agent are in contact and both sides hope a deal will be finished by the time the players report this week. Because of the NFL’s slot system for rookie deals, Winfrey is due to receive an estimated $4.6 million, four-year deal with around $1 million signing bonus. The hang up appears to be an additional $25,000 workout bonus the Texans gave their fourth-round pick running back Dameon Pierce.
As training camp starts, I’m most interested in watching how the defensive tackle and wide receiver positions shake out. There are plenty of bodies at both positions, but the experience needs to improve. According to https://overthecap.com/salary-cap-space, the Browns have the most cap space in the league, over $48 million. So, signing a veteran is not out of the question. I would feel better if the Browns signed another DT (Ndamukong Suh?), but I’m also eager to see how the players already on the roster perform. Like Taven Bryan, Jordan Elliot, Glen Logan, Tommy Togiai and Perrion Winfrey at defensive tackle. At wide receiver, my eyes are going to be glued to David Bell. There are also reports that DE Tak McKinley’s rehab is ahead of schedule and both he and the Browns have a mutual interest.
By this time next week, there’ll be shaky cell phone videos from Browns reporters, and I’ll watch every freaking one of them. It’s time for some Browns football. Everyone stay safe and Go Browns.