Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Browns lose a fan favorite to another NFL team

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated 1/19/24

Many teams around the NFL have begun signing players to reserve/futures deals for the offseason. Cleveland Browns are one of those teams, but they also have lost players to such deals.

Their preseason star WR Austin Watkins Jr. signed a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, which strikes an end to his time in Cleveland.

Another #Eagles reserve future deal Austin Watkins per a league source @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 18, 2024

Watkins signed with the Browns after playing in the USFL previously back in training camp. He led the team in receiving during the preseason and impressed during training camp. Interestingly enough, his best game in the preseason was 139 yards and a touchdown against the Eagles.

During the preseason, Watkins had a 71 yard performance as well. He was impressive in joint practices, against his own teammates, and showed he has the talent to have a chance to be an NFL player.

When the regular season started, Watkins was on the practice squad but was never able to hit the field and be a contributor. Fans were excited about what he showed in the preseason and he became a fan favorite that way, but he was never able to show it when it counted.

Now, the 6-foot-3 route runner joined a talented Eagles wide receiver room. Perhaps he can show enough this off-season to be able to stick around during training camp.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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