An optimist's guide to the 2024 Cleveland Browns

The Browns made the playoffs after starting five different quarterbacks last season, which only proves that they have one of the most complete rosters in the NFL.

Here's why Cleveland will find its way back to the postseason and contend for the franchise's first Super Bowl in 2024.

A healthy Deshaun Watson

Watson's first two years with the Browns have not been ideal, as he's played in just 12 games due to suspension and a season-ending shoulder injury, which he suffered in Week 10 of last season.

Even when he has been on the field, he has underwhelmed, throwing just 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

However, with a full offseason to get healthy and continue developing a rapport with his weapons, Watson is set up better than ever to return to his 2020 form when he led the NFL in passing yards with the Houston Texans.

The return of the No. 1 defense

Cleveland boasted the league's top defense in total yards allowed last season, and it's difficult to argue against it happening again.

The team was able to retain most of its key free-agent defenders like edge rusher Za'Darius Smith and defensive tackle Shelby Harris.

The Browns did lose linebackers Anthony Walker Jr. (Dolphins) and Sione Takitaki (Patriots) in free agency, but they replaced them with veterans Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush, who are more than capable to fill their roles.

It always helps to have the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year in edge rusher Myles Garrett, too.

Jerry Jeudy's perfect fit as the No. 2 wide receiver

Cleveland has been searching for a No. 2 wide receiver to complement Amari Cooper for some time now. The team traded a second-round pick for Elijah Moore last offseason, but it has yet to see that investment pay off. 

Jeudy may finally be the answer.

The No. 15 overall pick in 2020 hasn't lit up the stat sheet, averaging 53 catches for 763 yards and three touchdowns the past four years. However, the Browns didn't have a receiver, outside of Cooper, eclipse 650 receiving yards last season.

Jeudy should find a lot of success in the No. 2 wide receiver role opposite Cooper in what could be a heavier pass offense than expected early on due to running back Nick Chubb returning from a serious knee injury.