Deshaun Watson is heading into his first full season as the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns.
Watson started the last six games for the team in 2022, the result of an 11-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, having been accused of sexual misconduct by more than two dozen women. That’s after he sat out the 2021 season after pressing for a trade from the Houston Texans.
Now set to play a full campaign for the first time since 2020, Deshaun insists he’s not the same player and is actually better than the QB who led the NFL in passing three years ago.
“I’m not the same guy,” he said, per ESPN’s Jake Trotter. “I feel like I’ve improved. I’ve evolved to a new level. And I’m ready to be able to show that.”
Watson passed for 4,823 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2020 and finished that season with a QBR of 70.5. He ended the most recent season with a 38.3 QBR, with just Russell Wilson, Mac Jones, Davis Mills, Carson Wentz, and Baker Mayfield earning worse ratings among starting QBs.
“Last year was a tricky time where I was learning everything,” he explained.
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“I don’t want to return as the guy at Houston, I want to be better than that guy,” Watson said. “I had a lot of fun, a lot of success in Houston. But I want to have that success and start something new in Cleveland.”
The Browns begin their season with a game against the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday.
