Deshaun Watson‘s recent setback in his Achilles rehab has proven to be a situation which will seriously threaten his availability for 2025. The Browns quarterback tore his Achilles a second time, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. The team has since confirmed the news. 
Such a scenario was raised as a possibility earlier this week, with a second surgery of course being required in that event. As Rapoport notes, Watson underwent surgery yesterday to repair the most recent tear. His recovery timeline will now be pushed back as a result of the second operation; returning to full health in time for the start of the 2025 campaign was already a stretch, but now Watson is in danger of missing next season altogether.
“Earlier this week, when Watson reported to CrossCountry Mortgage Campus for his exit physical as part of the Browns’ season-ending process, he complained of discomfort after rolling his ankle in Miami,” a team statement reads in part. “MRI results demonstrated a re-rupture to his Achilles tendon. Dr. Bob Anderson, a foot and ankle specialist in Charlotte, NC, performed both surgeries.”
When on the field, Watson’s level of play has fallen well short of expectations. The former Texans Pro Bowler is still in Cleveland’s plans with two more years and $92MM guaranteed remaining on his pact (one which was once again restructured last month). The team has made it clear, though, that adding competition at the QB spot will be a priority for the offseason. Especially with Watson now set to miss considerable time next year, Cleveland will likely proceed with increased urgency in finding a new passer.
The Browns are currently scheduled to select second overall in April’s draft, and bringing in a rookie QB has already been floated as a distinct possibility. Two signal-callers – Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders – are considered the top options in this year’s class, one which is not viewed as favorably as past drafts. With veteran Jameis Winston a pending free agent, the Browns may be in the market for more than one quarterback addition over the coming months. In any case, Watson’s bid to return to his Houston form will be significantly delayed.
I am not a medical expert, but I’m pretty sure that’s not how a rehab is supposed to go.
Instructions unclear, tore achillies
Juuust a bit outside.
Karma is a helluva drug.
“Now Watson is in danger of missing next season altogether.” Using the word “danger” suggests it’s a bad thing. Now the Browns can keep him on IR the entire season and not waste a roster spot on the 53 for this turd. They should tell Watson he can rehab from home and we’ll see you in 2026.
That the Browns 2.0 brought this mess upon themselves and it impacted the salary structures league-wide they deserve to be burdened with carrying him on their roster and not be saved. Pure trash!
And the Browns might have insurance to cover some of his salary. That’s kind of a win for them — an excuse not to play him and not spending real money for him.
Insurance is only going to put money back in the owners pocket – it’ll have no bearing in the cap, so the team is still screwed.
Scratch that – under the CBA it might be impacted. Could be mibor credits, which is better than nothing. Still, they’re screwed.
At least they can go ahead and draft a QB and put Watson out of mind for a while.
I read somewhere, the Browns have insurance on him for something like this. They may have a little wiggle room to dump him.
Insurance money goes into their pocket, but the cap hit still remains. I’m sure they’re glad this occurred considering insurance doesn’t pay for poor play.
Sometimes bad things happen to good people…that is not the case here.
I am at a loss for words, did Watson put a knife to his own Achilles?
The GM did.
That is possible
It was a massage therapist wielding the knife.
lol
Hello Browns; This is the Atlanta Falcons calling – Kirk Cousins can be had !!
I’m surprised they left the comments open for this one haha
Art Modell was right
I know, just starting the obvious here. The Browns made a disastrous move by signing this guy. Completely wrecked this organization.
To be fair, when was the franchise not a wreck?
I got ya. But this reaches another level of disaster.
Agreed! Enjoy the games this weekend.
When Baker won them a playoff game and almost beat KC
Damn poor guy. I wouldn’t wish this on anybody
Kirk cousins Aaron Rodgers and maybe even Sam Darnold now have a potential landing spot
Assuming they’re willing to play for veteran minimum. The Browns won’t have the cap space to pay two high priced QB’s, one of whom won’t be playing. Given they have the #2 draft pick, they can get Ward or Sanders if they want.
They insured Watson’s contract so they’re going to get cap relief
Insurance doesn’t change the cap hit until the following year. I.e., 2026. At least that’s my understanding.
Or move back and get more picks if they sign a bridge vet mid March. Darnold Rodgers tannehill Garapolo or cousins
Garoppolo could be an interesting fit. The wider WR splits in Stefanski’s scheme make it tougher for defenses to disguise their coverage, which I think benefits Garoppolo since he has the tools to excel in an offense with a strong run game but sometimes struggles with decision making.
Cousins could easily bounce back in that system, too, as long as he gets healthy and his arm talent doesn’t regress more, but does he want to go to a situation like that? I think he would be better off signing with the likes of the Colts or even the Jets who can open up about $40M in cap space with a Davante Adams cut and a post-June 1 Rodgers cut. It remains to be seen if they hire a GM who can use it well (and if Woody would stay out of the way).
Assuming Cousins gets cut, the Falcons will still be paying him a ton of guaranteed money so he doesn’t have to sign a new bank-breaking deal, and he’d be going someplace where he will unquestionably be the starter, which is pretty important to him.
Cousins would pull a 2024 Russell Wilson: have your former team pay you huge buckets of money while your new team gives you vet minimum and you prove you can be a starter again. Titans also makes sense for cousins too. This draft class is lackluster for QBs this will be a great year for veterans and bridge QBs.
Fake injury so they can get their $$$ back.
The lowly Browns are better off without their pedo QB. They’ll still be 4-13 after everyone has them finishing top 2 in the division. Like every.single.year.
Certainly a sexual deviant scumbag, but I didn’t know he was a “pedo”.
He is. Included he’s an awful human. He’s all of the above. Should be in prison.
Man …rough times in CLE
Time to retire, buddy. Your body is done with football. Go have a massage or 2!
Can a masseuse just rub it out?
Lol
This is the best news the Browns could hope for
I get the hate, I suppose, but no one should be happy a guy is suffering from a crippling injury. That’s crazy y’all.
People are crazy.
All those women he victimized. This is exactly what he deserves.
Millions of dollars to not play is not a really big punishment.
Yes he is sore but the money will ease his “pain”.
Is the Watson signing worse that when the Orioles have Chris Davis $160m?
Yes. No salary cap in MLB.
They didn’t just give him stupid guaranteed money but they also gave up tremendous draft capital. By far horrendous
lol. Lmao, even.
lol. lmao, even
Pay attention kids. This is what happens when you film dancing videos for TikTok.
The Browns probably have insurance to cover his salary if he is injured. Doesn’t take much to convince a team doctor to “find” an injury. Softens their stupid decision to guarantee this sex crime offender 240 million dollars. It’s all a scam.
Money paid on the $230M Guaranteed deal $137.3M for 19 games. That’s $7.2M per game and projects to $122M APY. Nice!
If he is out all of 2025 the paid will run up to $141.9M for the same 19 games. That will bump it to $7.5M/game with an APY projected at $127M.
This is a way better fleecing than Albert Haynesworth.
omg.
my doc told me that breaking the same tendon twice was game over.
could not be repaired properly.
I always worry about a second break.