Mike Florio SPECULATES an internal tussle between the Browns and Deshaun Watson over DeAndre Hopkins
NFL insider Mike Florio recently speculated that there may be tension brewing between Deshaun Watson and Cleveland Brown.
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L-Deshaun Watson (Image via Cleveland Browns), C- Mike Florio (Snapshot NBC/YouTube), DeAndre Hopkins (Image via Arizona Cardinals)
The DeAndre Hopkins team-hunting saga has taken a dramatic twist. After visiting the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans two weeks ago, rumors were circulating that he might end up joining one of them. But recently, news leaked from the Cleveland Browns camp that quarterback Deshaun Watson had expressed his desire to play with Hopkins.
Watson is well acquainted with D-Hop, as the two starred alongside each other during their Houston Texans days. He had recently asked the Browns hierarchy to go all in for DeAndre Hopkins. However, that did not happen, as the Browns announced that they are comfortable with their current batch of receivers.
Moreover, they traded Elijah Moore this March, so they won’t be looking into Hopkins’ situation. Now ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio has sparked a debate, saying that there could be a rift forming between Watson and the Browns. “If what he says privately to the team matches what he says publicly and the Browns aren’t interested, that’s when you say there may be a little pressure point there,” said Florio.
Well, you cannot say for sure that is the case yet. However, Deshaun Watson needs to perform this year as he will be entering his second season with the Browns. He only played six games in 2022 and had 1102 passing yards with seven touchdowns and five interceptions. The 28-year-old signed a five-year, $230 million contract. Moreover, it includes a $44.965 million signing bonus and has a no-trade clause throughout the entire contract.
Do the Cleveland Browns need DeAndre Hopkins?
DeAndre Hopkins will do wonders, whichever side he joins. The five-time Pro Bowler revealed he is looking for a team that will win the Super Bowl. He has assured his future teammates of his full commitment.
Hopkins also revealed a few players when he appeared on the I Am Athlete podcast, he wants to play with. There were names that could help him reach the Super Bowl.
On the other hand, the Browns should be fine not pursuing Hopkins, even though Deshaun Watson was pushing for it. If Hopkins had joined them, then the offense would instantly become better with receiver Amari Cooper and tight end David Njoku. Undoubtedly a scary prospect for other teams to face.
Moreover, the salary is a big issue, as Hopkins is looking for $19.45 million, according to Albert Breer. Whether the Browns can even meet Hopkins’ demands is the biggest question. They currently have a salary cap of $17,186,985 in 2023.
The Patriots are the likeliest destination for DeAndre Hopkins, who would pass up the chance to play under coach Bill Belichick.
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Ishan Misra
(3155 Articles Published)