Reports: Browns brace for Deshaun Watson ban, sign Josh Rosen

Josh Rosen is joining the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback depth chart as the team prepares for the likelihood that Deshaun Watson will be suspended for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

Rosen worked out for the Browns Thursday and Cleveland plans to sign him to a one-year contract, according to multiple reports. The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that the Browns will officially sign Rosen Friday.

The No. 10 overall draft pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2018, Rosen was traded to the Miami Dolphins following Arizona’s selection of Kyler Murray the next year.

Rosen split 2020 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ practice squad and the San Francisco 49ers’ active roster, though he never saw game action. He was with the Atlanta Falcons in 2021 and got into four games in relief of then-starter Matt Ryan.

The 25-year-old has thrown for 2,864 yards with 12 touchdowns and 21 interceptions in 24 career games (16 starts).

The Browns also reportedly worked out quarterback A.J. McCarron on Thursday as they sought contingency plans if the NFL suspends Watson for multiple games. Cleveland previously signed former NFL starter Jacoby Brissett. He would be No. 1 if Watson is erased from the depth chart for any period of time, general manager Andrew Berry said earlier this month. Josh Dobbs is the No. 3 quarterback on the roster entering camp.

Watson met with league investigators for three days in Delaware earlier this month to discuss allegations of sexual misconduct. Pro Football Talk reported a multi-game suspension was likely but not more than eight games.

Watson, acquired by the Browns from the Houston Texans for multiple draft picks, could reportedly agree not to appeal if the NFL opts against a season-long suspension.

–Field Level Media