Browns' Jameis Winston shares huge prediction about Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson generated headlines and attracted criticism when he said in late July he "could give two [expletive] what other people say" about him ahead of his third season with the organization.

Backup signal-caller Jameis Winston spoke with reporters on Thursday and shared that Watson still "has high expectations" for what he'll achieve with the Browns.

"He wants to be — and will be — a Super Bowl-winning quarterback," Winston said about Watson, per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "And honestly, that’s what I’m here for, because I guarantee you, I’m feeding that into him. I’m making sure that he knows that. And he really doesn’t need my help because he has it."

Despite Winston's backing, there remains no physical evidence that Watson can reclaim the form that made him a three-time Pro Bowl selection with the Houston Texans from 2017 through 2021. He's made just 12 regular-season starts since the completion of the 2020 campaign, and he's coming off the type of shoulder injury known to shorten the careers of quarterbacks.

It's now public knowledge that the Browns replaced fan-favorite Joe Flacco with Winston this offseason to help "comfort" Watson. If nothing else, Winston is proving to be an excellent hype man for Watson this summer.

"He was built for resilience," Winston said about Watson. "So, honestly, I know he respects everyone’s opinion. But the most important opinion to him is himself. And I know he’s working through a lot of different things, but he’s happy. He’s poised. He isn’t fazed by anything anyone has to say because he’s on a mission to be the best quarterback he possibly can be."

What's worrisome for those within the Browns who gave Watson a fully guaranteed five-year, $230M contract in March 2022 is that they are largely guessing just how good "he possibly can be" with the organization. 

Whispers about the Browns exploring ways to move on from Watson's deal as soon as possible popped back up this winter. The franchise will be in trouble unless he shows he can stay healthy through at least the bulk of a season and play at an elite level.