Cleveland Browns: Several Receivers Join Deshaun Watson for Throwing Sessions
Deshaun Watson has been working out with Browns receivers in Florida, continuing his bid to reclaim the starting quarterback position.
Watson's personal quarterback instructor, Quincy Avery, posted video of Watson throwing to Jerry Jeudy, Isaiah Bond, and Jamari Thrash last week. The Browns are scheduled to begin their offseason workout program on Tuesday.
The 30-year-old Watson has played just 19 of a possible 68 games since the Browns traded three first-round picks and gave him a reported fully guaranteed $230 million contract in 2022. He has not played since October of the 2024 season, when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon, then suffered a setback, which required another surgery in January of 2025.
Watson struggled when he played with Cleveland, throwing 19 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions with a quarterback rating of just 80.7. However, Watson is healthy again and competing with two second-year quarterbacks, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.
Neither new Head Coach Todd Monken nor Owner Jimmy Haslam has ruled out the possibility of Watson winning the starting job. Last week at the NFL owners meeting, Monken said he was keeping an open mind regarding Watson, despite his struggles. Early in his career with the Houston Texans, Watson had some huge seasons and led the NFL with 4,165 passing yards in 2018.
"Have I seen Deshaun Watson play before? Of course," Monken said. "I saw him play against us when I was in Baltimore. Did we play the Cowboys two years ago after Cleveland opened up with Dallas? Yes. Is that a great tape to watch Deshaun Watson on? Absolutely not.
"I just know what I've seen over the years. I've seen a really good football player. We're hoping to tap into that. I know he's excited and we're excited to work with him. Like we are with Dillon, like we are with Shedeur."
Pittsburgh Steelers: Joey Porter Jr. Makes Bold Statement Entering Contract Year
Starting cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is entering his fourth season with the Steelers, which happens to be a contract year. Whether he hits the free market after the 2026 season remains to be seen. But Porter made it clear recently that he considers himself among the NFL's best corners, despite never making the Pro Bowl.
"I haven't gave up a touchdown in three years," Porter said on the Blueprint podcast. "Not one. No wide receiver put over 50, 60 yards on my head alone and I travel with the best of them. And they want to talk about penalties. Even to bring up penalties this year. I had five, which equaled out to 50-something yards. You're saying I'm not top-five because I had 50 yards in penalties? Like that's crazy."
Cincinnati Bengals: Veterans Kyle Dugger, Ja'Sir Taylor Join Revamped Secondary
After last season's defensive struggles, the Bengals are retooling their secondary. Last week, the Bengals signed two veteran defensive backs – safety Kyle Dugger and cornerback Ja'Sir Taylor.
The 30-year-old Dugger, who played for the New England Patriots and Steelers last season, has 90 NFL starts. He will join Cincinnati's safety rotation that includes free agent addition Bryan Cook and veteran Jordan Battle. Taylor is primarily a nickel corner and will compete with Jalen Davis for a starting role.
Dugger has 11 career interceptions, including two with the Steelers last season after he was traded by the Patriots. Plagued by injuries since the 2024 season, Dugger wants to settle in with Cincinnati and prove he can still play at a high level.
"Fresh start and a new opportunity. I'm excited for it," Dugger said via Geoff Hobson of the Bengals’ website. "It's been a rough two years. I'm thankful [for] where I am. With an offseason now, I feel 100%."
