Ahead of his second season with the Cleveland Browns, quarterback Deshaun Watson is getting backing after mixed performances this past season. Head coach Kevin Stefanski expects Watson to be “better” next season.

Three first-round picks (2022-2024), a third-round pick (2023) and a fourth-round pick (2024) cost the Cleveland Browns the services of quarterback Deshaun Watson, then under contract with the Houston Texans, just over a year ago.

In addition, Watson received a five-year contract that is guaranteed to pay him $230 million – a record deal. The Browns accepted the fact that Watson had to answer for sexual harassment in dozens of cases off the field at that time. A few months later, the NFL suspended him for the first eleven games of the season.

In his comeback to the football field, Watson has so far failed to impress. In the remaining six games, the now 27-year-old threw for just under 1,100 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions. The Browns finished the season with a 7-10 record and missed the playoffs.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski: “Watson will be better. “

For the upcoming season, Watson is getting backing from his head coach Kevin Stefanski just before the 2023 NFL Draft. “It’s important for Deshaun to get the experience last season and process what happened. He’ll learn from that, I think he’ll be a better player,” Stefanski is quoted as saying on the team website.

Watson himself also commented, “Last year was a whirlwind for me. I’ve learned from it and realize my emotional state is a night and day difference – compared to last year.”

In court, two civil lawsuits are still open against Watson.