Browns wide receiver’seriously considering’ joining new team

Austin Watkins was handed a reserve/future deal by the Cleveland Browns, but the rookie pass-catcher is contemplating his options.

On Monday, January 15, the Browns announced the signing of nine players to reserve/future contracts. Receiver Jaelin Darden, cornerback Vincent Gray, running back John Kelly Jr., tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden, offensive tackle Justin Murray, defensive end Lonnie Phelps, linebacker Charlie Thomas III, defensive end Isaiah Thomas, and defensive tackle Chris Williams were among those that participated.

According to Brad Stainbrook of theOBR.com, Watkins was not on that list and is currently assessing his next step.

“Source: WR Austin Watkins Jr. was offered a reserves/future deal with Cleveland, but is currently weighing his options before making a final decision,” Stainbrook tweeted on January 15. “Watkins Jr. has options elsewhere, and is seriously considering.”

Watkins quickly became a fan favorite throughout the preseason, leading the Browns in receiving yards in all four exhibition games. He was the only Cleveland player with at least 16 receptions for 257 yards and two touchdowns. This includes a game-high seven catches for 139 yards against the Philadelphia Eagles.

He was released at the end of the preseason but re-added to the practice squad. This season, Watkins was not called up for a game.

Jaelon Darden Has Browns Potential

At the start of the new league year, futures contracts become active. Teams can sign players in preparation for the upcoming season during the offseason, when practice squads are not in existence.

Darden was among several who inked contracts on Monday. During training camp, he agreed to terms with the Browns. Darden was a fourth-round pick of the Buccaneers in 2021, but he didn’t stick around. He has played in 21 games and has eight receptions for 69 yards. He has also returned 50 punts for an average of 9.4 yards and 21 kickoffs for an average of 20.3 yards.

Darden could be involved in the return game next season. Jakeem Grant, a return specialist, is scheduled to become a free agent. Grant has been sidelined for the last two seasons due to season-ending injuries. During the preseason, he broke his patella in his knee. Grant missed the entire 2022 season due to an Achilles injury.

Some key Browns players are approaching free agency.

Following an ugly 45-14 Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans, the Browns’ offseason began sooner than they would have liked. Cleveland must now make some roster decisions involving key players.

Free agents this offseason include linebackers Sione Takitaki and Anthony Walker Jr., tight end Harrison Bryant, pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith, and running back Kareem Hunt.

The Browns may also have to do some cap maneuvering to get around Deshaun Watson’s contract. Watson’s $230 million fully guaranteed pact with the team following the 2022 trade that brought him to Cleveland will contribute $63.9 million against the cap next season.

Running back Nick Chubb is likely to be a target for a revised contract. Chubb is recovering from a season-ending knee injury that necessitated two surgeries. He’s expected to return at some time next season, but his exact return date is unknown. Chubb’s current contract includes a cap hit of roughly $16 million. His release would result in only $4 million in lost revenue.