The Cleveland Browns have three players looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2023 season.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson

Watson has been attempting to bounce back for the past two years since being traded to the Browns. Due to suspension and a season-ending shoulder injury, he’s played in just 12 games during that span.

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

Cleveland gave up a king’s ransom, including three first-round picks, hoping to receive Watson from 2020, when he led the league in passing yards (4,823).

Maybe the third time will be the charm for Watson after he has had a full offseason to get healthy and continue developing a rapport with his weapons.

Running back Nick Chubb

Chubb has been one of the league’s most consistent running backs, with four straight 1,000-rushing-yard seasons (2019-22).

That streak ended last season, though, when he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2. It was later diagnosed as a torn MCL and a damaged ACL to the same knee he injured in 2015.

The 28-year-old may never return to being the same player he was and become the latest reason why the running back position is undervalued, but if anyone can make the comeback, it’s Chubb.

The four-time Pro Bowler has rushed for 6,511 yards and 48 touchdowns in his six-year NFL career.

Defensive end Za’Darius Smith

Last offseason, the Browns traded for Smith, who was coming off a 10-sack campaign in 2022. However, he disappointed with just 27 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.

Smith was set up for success, playing across 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, but the 31-year-old began to show his age.

Still, it is reasonable to expect him to step up his game heading into his second season with Cleveland, which is returning most of its key players after boasting the league’s top defense in total yards allowed.

The team showed confidence in Smith this offseason, signing him to a two-year, $23 million contract. Now, it is his turn to prove them right for doing so.