2024 Position Preview: Breaking down the Browns quarterbacks  (2024)

The Browns are just about a month away from the start of training camp, which will kick off with their visit to the Greenbrier. To prepare for training camp, we're putting together a preview of each position on the roster. To kick off the series, we'll begin with quarterbacks.

The Quarterbacks:

Deshaun Watson

Jameis Winston

Tyler Huntley

Dorian Thompson-Robinson

What we know: While the Browns dealt with injuries to their quarterback room – losing Watson to a season-ending shoulder injury as well as Thompson-Robinson to a hip injury in the final stretch of the season – both have made progress in their recovery process and rehab. During OTAs, Watson stuck to a throwing plan that had him throwing every other day in offensive drills. Then, during minicamp, Watson took another step forward as he threw during the 7-on-7 drills. Thompson-Robinson also returned to throwing during the latter portion of OTAs and took a handful of live reps during minicamp.

Their recoveries and return to the field for the 2024 season will be an important factor for the Browns. They also have two other options in Winston and Huntley who the Browns signed during free agency. One element the Browns will have to work through during training camp is who will be the backup quarterback to Watson. Winston and Huntley each showcased their arms during training camp as they took reps in 7-on-7 drills. There will be a decision on who is officially the backup quarterback to Watson, but the Browns have depth that can help in such decision.

With a healthy quarterback room, the Browns can use training camp to build their new offense around Watson and the talented receiving corps. They'll have consistency at quarterback from the start of the season in someone who can help facilitate the offense.

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The biggest question: What form will Watson return in? He's played in 12 total games with the Browns since the 2022 season and has yet to play a complete season in Cleveland. As Watson has continued his rehab from the shoulder surgery that ended his 2023 season, he worked through a throwing plan during OTAs and minicamp and had him throwing every other day. He threw, short, intermediate and long passes, and connected with his pass catchers on a number of throws. Watson said during minicamp that he felt he was in the right spot.

Yet, one of the remaining questions still to be answered will come in his ability to throw in a game. The early portion of the 2024 season will be a necessary test for his shoulder and show how he fits new offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey's offense.

Watson's presence in OTAs, minicamp and in the meeting room played an important role in building his connection with Dorsey and understanding the outlook on the offense. It's implementation onto the field will be the next step in that process.

The biggest number: 5. The Browns went through a total of five starting quarterbacks over the course of the 2023 season due to injuries to Watson and Thompson-Robinson. They brought in veteran Joe Flacco – who helped lead the Browns to the playoffs in his five games – as well as Jeff Driskel – who played in the final regular-season game against the Bengals. The Browns will look to have consistency at quarterback during the 2024 season with a healthy Watson leading the helm of the offense.

Says it all: "He's been here every day. He's been getting better. I get to see him – really through the course of his entire rehab – go through the throwing sessions off to the side, go through the throwing sessions to the players. Go through the throwing sessions now at 7-on-7. So, I've seen this improvement from him, both in terms of how he's feeling and also just those hitting those mile markers of when he's allowed to do what he's doing. He's right where he needs to be, and I'm pleased with how hard he's worked." – Head coach Kevin Stefanski on Watson's progress

How many were kept on the initial 53-man roster last year: 2