If Deshaun Watson takes the Browns to the Super Bowl in his time, there is no asterisk needed to denote the desperation of the Browns' acquisition. Nobody will remember the cost if he takes the Browns to the Super Bowl.
#HeyTony: Does a Browns’ Super Bowl appearance come with an asterisk?
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.
Hey Tony: The [Deshaun] Watson signing is clear upgrade over Baker [Mayfield], but the trade reeks of desperation. Will the Browns’ potential first Super Bowl win come with an asterisk?
-- Billy, Asuncion, Paraguay
Hey Billy: If the Browns reach the Super Bowl in the Watson era, there will be no asterisk attached to it, believe me. Once Watson gets back on the field and performs like an elite quarterback, his questionable choices and personal conduct will become less a part of the Browns’ story in 2022.
Hey Tony: If you’re correct and [Deshaun] Watson isn’t suspended this year, what are your expectations for the team?
-- Ryan, Phoenix, AZ
Hey Ryan: My expectations right now are muted. I don’t think Watson automatically takes the Browns into the AFC elite. I think there is a lot of responsibility on Kevin Stefanski and his coaches to coalesce a new offensive dynamic. I like the defense, but I must say the offense and special teams are major question marks right now.
Hey Tony: Can you see a situation where the Browns use their first three draft picks on defensive linemen?
-- Leonard, Troy, OH
Hey Leonard: Good lord, let’s hope not.
Hey Tony: Can Watson make us number one in 3rd-down efficiency?
-- Michael, Massillon, OH
Hey Michael: In 2021, the Browns were 17th in third-down efficiency, converting 39.2 percent of third downs. I think Watson will help upgrade that ranking. But I wouldn’t say he alone would make them No. 1 in this important offensive category.
Hey Tony: Most assume Deshaun Watson will return to form instantly. I think it will take a few games and may damage playoff chances. Am I being too concerned/negative or legit concern?
-- SL, DFW, TX
Hey SL: Yes, it will take time for Watson to regain his past form, particularly with a new team and offensive system. But the Browns’ offensive line and backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are pretty good fallback options to keep the offense productive until Watson and the receivers start clicking. It’s up to the coaches to get this offense up to speed. Losing the opener is not an option!
Hey Tony: Does getting Baker’s contract off the books directly affect the timing of a Ward extension?
-- Matt, Columbus, OH
Hey Matt: I can’t see the Browns extending Ward’s contract until Mayfield’s $18.85 million is off their books.
Hey Tony: Are the Browns going to sign another veteran defensive tackle?
-- Ken, Berea, OH
Hey Ken: Yes, I would epect that after the draft.
Hey Tony: What do think is [Andrew’s] Berry's plan to rebuild the defensive line?
-- Bill, Valparaiso, IN
Hey Bill: I don’t see any major acquisitions. I think Jordan Elliott and Tommy Togiai will be given a chance to step up. Veteran free agent Taven Bryant and perhaps another veteran pick-up will round out the top four in the rotation. I don’t think there’s a massive plan to rebuild beyond that.
Hey Tony: Do you think we will pay [Denzel] Ward 20-plus million or would it be best to trade him and maybe get back into the first round?
-- Mu, Maple Heights, OH
Hey Mu: I don’t see an option other than re-investing in Ward. Trading him makes little sense to me.
Hey Tony: Can the Browns front office survive if they go 6-11 with Watson playing all 17 games?
-- Don, Apex, NC
Hey Don: Candidly, I believe a 6-11 season would result in a traditional Haslam blowup. The shrapnel would extend to all parts of the organization.
Hey Tony: With the Browns bringing in a rookie running back for an interview do you think that sends a message that they may trade one on the roster and possibly package him with Mayfield to Carolina?
-- Dave, Ashtabula, OH
Hey Dave: I think the Browns may be considering an alternative to D’Ernest Johnson because of his possible salary upgrade to $2.43 million. I don’t think it has anything to do with a potential trade of Bake Mayfield.
Hey Tony: Who has been on the NFL beat longer than TG?
-- Mark, Silicon Valley, CA
Hey Mark: The list is very, very short. Some day soon I will research it and come up with an answer. Every month, it seems, another of my colleagues retires or loses his/her job because of the precarious business that sports journalism has become. The retirement of John McClain from the Houston Chronicle was a blow, though I knew of it far in advance. There are many young journalists on the scene who can continue the tradition of hard beat coverage of their particular teams. But I must say there are fewer familiar faces in press boxes I’ve seen in recent years.
