CLEVELAND, Ohio – Talking to myself about the Browns and JJ Watt:
QUESTION: So you don’t like JJ Watt?
ANSWER: Who said that?
Q: You did in a story last week. You wrote about how the PLAYER is more important than the NAME. You described the history of Watt’s injuries. You seemed to dismiss it.
A: That was part of a Hey, Terry! column where some fans have JJ Watt fever. Someone wanted to trade Kareem Hunt for him. Another wanted to trade a first round choice for him. People still thought of Watt as the main defender of NFL passes. He is not. In fact, Texans cut him off for several reasons, including his $ 17 million contract for 2021, which was not guaranteed.
Q: Do you want Watt?
A: At the right price in a one-year deal. Watt had an Olivier Vernon season in 2021, as mentioned by Dan Labbe of cleveland.com. Vernon had more bags (9.0 to 5.0). Watt had more QB hits (17 to 12). Vernon had more haste QB (45 to 34). Watt was ranked highest against the race and overall against Vernon, according to Profootballfocus.com.
Q: What is your point?
A: The Browns overhauled Vernon’s contract last season, bringing him back for $ 11 million. He played in 14 games and 74% of his team’s pressures, his biggest workload in four years.
Q: And when it comes to Watt?
A: This is the type of business that the Browns should offer Watt. One year, $ 10 million interval. Vernon busted his Achilles towards the end of the season and missed the playoffs. His injury takes him out of the Browns’ scene in 2021. Vernon has been struggling with ankle and knee problems for several years.
Q: So you want Watt?
A: I am warm.
Q: What?
A: Watt will be 32 on March 22. Watt’s supporters will mention that he has played all 16 games in two of the past three seasons (2018, 2020). He played only eight games in 2019. In 2016-17, he lost 24 of 32 games due to injuries.
Q: Are you stuck in durability?
A: It is important and is generally ignored when renowned players are evaluated. Consider when the Browns made a big exchange for Odell Beckham Jr. and Vernon. In the previous two years with the Giants, Beckham had lost 16 of the 32 games. Vernon had lost nine of 32 games. Beckham played all 16 games in 2019, but suffered a severe ACL knee injury in 2020. Vernon lost 8 of 32 games with the Browns.
Q: Are you denying that Watt will help the Browns?
A: Of course not. He just needs to be on the field. In 2016, he had herniated disc surgery on his back. He fractured a leg in 2017. He broke a pectoral muscle in 2019. They all needed surgery. The guy plays hard. He plays with the pain. He also has torn muscles in the groin and thigh. That is why he is still a very good player, but not a dominant force.
Houston Texans defensive team Jadeveon Clowney gestures to Cleveland Browns wide receiver Antonio Callaway after Callaway missed his chance at a two-point conversion. Yes, it’s Antonio Callaway and Clowney in 2018! Cleveland.com
Q: Well, you are not fun.
A: Jadeveon Clowney.
Q: What about Jadeveon Clowney?
A: A year ago, Clowney was the defensive edge that some in the media and many fans required the Browns and other teams to sign.
Q: What happened to him?
A: He signed with Tennessee for $ 13 million. After eight games, he injured his knee and needed meniscus surgery. In his eight games, he had zero sacks. He received some good reviews for his running defense and putting pressure on QB, but the injury problems that plagued Clowney early in his career remained. He has a history of several knee surgeries.
Q: What does this have to do with Watt?
A: It is a warning sign. Be careful. I always thought Clowney was overrated because he was the main choice in the 2014 draft. Maybe he had become a great player (since Watt was at his peak), but injuries prevented him.
Q: Who says we are talking about Clowney?
A: If you want, the Browns can hire you. It is also on the market. Here’s what I mean: at this time of year, renowned players are tempting. Your best moments are remembered, your injuries are minimized. There was a reason why Clowney was only awarded a one-year contract in 2020. And there is a reason why Houston was unable to find a team to negotiate for Watt and his $ 17 million contract, and that led to his release.
When it comes to Watt, the Browns can proceed, but with caution.
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Cleveland sports fans have several options when it comes to buying youth masks for all of their favorite teams, including the Browns. Check out some of the options below.Fanatics.com
New Browns masks on sale: this is where you can buy Cleveland Browns-themed facial covers for coronavirus protection for adults and youth, including a single mask ($ 14.99) and a pack of 3 ($ 24.99) . All NFL proceeds donated to the CDC Foundation.