Phil Dawson has to be mortified that Watson will wear his NO. 4

By STEVE KING

What does Phil Dawson think of this?

Indeed, someone needs to contact the former longtime iconic Browns kicker and ask him.

Dawson, who played the first 14 seasons (1999-2012) for the expansion Browns, wore No. 4, the jersey number that will be given to the team’s new starting quarterback, Deshaun Watson.

In terms of who they are, what they are and the way they conduct themselves, the two men couldn’t be further apart.

When he played here, Dawson was the ultimate stand-up guy who was a pillar in the community, doing and saying all the right things.

He had a strong moral compass and, no matter what the subject was, he understood the distinct difference between right and wrong. There was no grey area between the two.

Some pro athletes aren’t good examples for young people, but Dawson was — very much so. The way he conducted himself in terms of his job and his personal life, was a how-to guide.

Dawson and his wife, Shannon, were extremely close. She was a tremendous singer and sang the national anthem before Browns home games several times.

Then there’s Watson who may be hit with as many as 22 civil lawsuits from women who claim he sexually assaulted them.

The only time Dawson missed time was due to injury, but Watson will almost certainly be suspended by the NFL for his conduct, or lack thereof, and could miss considerable time next season because of it.

There was nothing to dislike about Dawson.

There is plenty to dislike about Watson.

When Dawson retired as a Brown, club officials spoke of him in platitudes.

When Watson is formally introduced by the Browns in a press conference, club officials will have to bob and weave and carefully pick and choose their words.

Unbelievable.

I think Phil Dawson is mortified that Deshaun Watson will be wearing his number.

The official trade breakdown pic.twitter.com/Z5WffMppRn

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) March 20, 2022

Browns make trade with Buffalo

BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills have made the following trade:

Browns receive:
2022 7th round pick

Bills receive:
QB Case Keenum

Keenum joined the Browns as an unrestricted free agent in 2020. He appeared in seven games in 2021 with two starts. He completed 47 of 72 passes for 462 yards and three touchdowns last season.