Three reasons to be optimistic about the Cleveland Browns

The Browns (7-10) didn't have the season they were hoping for in 2022. Even with the return of QB Deshaun Watson from his suspension, the team finished 3-3 down the stretch. However, there are still reasons to be optimistic about Cleveland in 2023.

1. Full offseason for Watson

Watson led the league in passing yards as a Texan in 2020 (4,823, 70.2% completion rate), but he didn't look like his old self in 2022 with the Browns. After returning from a 12-week NFL suspension, he threw for 1,102 yards with seven TD passes and five interceptions. His completion percentage was 58.2%, well below league average.

The Browns are locked in with Watson for the long haul after trading three first-round picks to Houston and signing him to a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract last offseason.

If he has an offseason with no distractions, Watson could knock off the rust and return to 2020 form. He's only 27.

2. Hungry Myles Garrett

Garrett is one of the top defensive players in the league, but he has yet to be named Defensive Player of the Year. After a 16-sack season in 2021, Garrett received no votes for DPOY. After another 16-sack season in 2022, he finished a distant fifth for the award, behind winner Nick Bosa of the Niners.

The diss should serve as fuel for the 27-year-old, who has one playoff win during his six-year career in Cleveland.

3. Crowded defensive line free-agent class

No other player on the defensive line besides Garrett had more than three sacks in 2022, so the Browns have glaring needs at edge rusher and interior line. DE Jadeveon Clowney clearly won't be in the mix in 2023.