Watson encourages Higgins to join Browns

Quarterback Deshaun Watson called for Cincinnati Bengals receiver and pending free agent Tee Higgins to join the Cleveland Browns next season.

"We wanna pass the ball. … We're gonna take good care of you," Watson said on his "QB Unplugged" podcast. "The Cleveland fans are gonna love you to death. We got the Clemson ties. We ain't get to play with each other, but this is our opportunity."

Watson and Higgins both attended Clemson, but the former entered the NFL when the latter embarked on his freshman campaign in 2017. The Browns QB also reminded Higgins that they both share the same agent, David Mulugheta.

Higgins has averaged 64 receptions, 921 yards, and six touchdowns over four seasons with the Bengals. He recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns in 2021 and 2022. The 25-year-old posted 656 yards on 42 receptions for five touchdowns in 11 games last season but endured multiple injuries.

Watson threw for 1,115 yards, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions in his second year with the Browns before being placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a shoulder ailment.

Cleveland appears interested in adding to a receiving corps headlined by Amari Cooper and tight end David Njoku. The Browns acquired Elijah Moore last offseason in a trade with the New York Jets.

Higgins is among several wideouts who could be available at the start of the new league year on March 13. Mike Evans, Calvin Ridley, and Michael Pittman are among the other notable names poised to hit free agency.