Deshaun Watson will remain on the books for the Browns in 2025, but it remains to be seen when he will be healthy enough to play. The much-maligned quarterback’s recovery from an Achilles tear has taken an unwanted turn. 
Browns general manager Andrew Berry said on Monday (via Tom Pelissero of NFL Network) that Watson encountered a setback in his rehab process. As a result, a second Achilles surgery may be required. Especially if that proves to be the case, Watson’s timeline to return to action will be significantly pushed back.
The 29-year-old tore his Achilles in October, bringing an end to his third season with Cleveland. The ailment represents the second in a row which prevented him from playing a full campaign (something of note considering the 11-game suspension which began his Browns tenure, of course). Just like years past, 2024 did not go according to plan in terms of on-field production, although Cleveland did not consider benching him prior to the injury. The team used Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Bailey Zappe at quarterback to close out the year, and changes under center can be expected.
Berry noted this latest Watson development is unlikely to affect the Browns’ plans at the QB spot this offseason (h/t Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal). Competition for the starting gig has already been expected – quite possibly by adding a rookie in the first round of the draft – and further uncertainty regarding Watson’s 2025 availability could point the team in that direction. Cleveland is on track to select second overall in April.
Given the fully guaranteed nature of Watson’s pact, cutting or trading him is not feasible. To no surprise, another restructure was worked out recently, further delaying the point at which the Browns will meet major cap issues by releasing the three-time Pro Bowler. Watson’s cap hits for 2025 and ’26 remain $72.94MM at this point, with several void years in place. As noted by Spotrac, the restructure likely sets up a post-June 1 release in 2027.
In the meantime, improved play under center will be a key goal for the franchise. Berry, along with head coach Kevin Stefanski, will remain in place for 2025. One day after their season ended, though, the Browns did move on from offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey as well as offensive line coach Andy Dickerson. Replacing both represents a notable task, and with Winston and Zappe on track for (in the latter’s case, restricted) free agency, an overhaul under center could be in store. Watson was previously set for a training camp return, per cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, but now that will no longer be the case.
Couldn’t happen to better guy. Headline should read “serial pervert has setback from leg injury”,
Wonder if he’s intentionally prolonging treatment to increase time on the massage table.
Stefanski must be so disappointed in not getting fired.
Wonder how much Stefanski paid the doctors for this “setback” to happen?
I don’t think they can do brain transplants yet, so it has to be the Achilles.
Well, shucks, golly, gee whiz!
Every injury that happens the Browns smile. They can’t wait to get out of this one.
Cleveland picking second in the draft is going to be very interesting. They really should take a qb, but it’s a weak qb class and they’re most likely getting the second qb taken whether the Titans draft one or trade out of the number one pick. I feel like it’s almost inevitable they trade up a spot giving up a future first rounder to draft Shedeur only for him to refuse going to play in Cleveland. That seems like the most logical way for Cleveland to stay true to what they do and completely screw up a potentially good situation.
@jimmyz, i am completely in agreement that Sanders will do everything possible NOT to play for Cleveland.
There isn’t a QB worth a #2 pick, classic Cleveland.
They’ll find a way to screw this up too, like drafting a tight end second overall when they already have David Njoku.
There is no cap space savings by cutting him. Dead cap hits vary by timing (pre/post June 1 designation). link to overthecap.com
Browns management are getting what the deserved on such a bad deal. Especially with him already facing a suspension prior to this contract hence its ludicrous low first year.
He needs to retire already
Would you formally retire with guaranteed money on the books?
Folks don’t think it through.
Nope! It was just wishful thinking…that he would just go away…
He probably tweaked it doing that TikTok dance video on the side of the road.
Good, maybe a new QB to start for the Browns
Boy Bye
What’s that expression again?
“Getting’ paid and getting’ laid”.
Apologies for the potentially poor choice of words.
Does it matter? I’d be surprised if he ever started another game for Cleveland.
Why doesn’t Cleveland just bite the bullet and dump him now, instead of locking themselves into more years of turmoil? Is the cap hit from dumping him so preposterous that they literally cannot field a team next season?
They appear to be hamstringing themselves, but perhaps putting it off is actually beneficial?
A pre June 1 designation cut leaves a $172M Dead Cap hit for 2025 , that would put the Browns roughly $120M over the cap with only 47 players under contract for 2025.
A post June 1 designation leave a $119 M dead cap hit for 2025. That would put the Browns roughly $68M over the cap. That would put them into Saints territory.
That’s why the possibility of trading Myles Garrett to clear cap space so they can afford to dump Watson has come up. That would only cover about $30 million though, so Joel Bitonio would have to go as well, maybe David Njoku. I think they’d still need another $14 million, plus they have to cover their draft picks.
You know every day ATL is like “thank God Cle is a complete dumpster fire and run by fools and an incompetent owner” Dodged the ole’ preverbal bullet.
“Suffers setback in rehab” is code for facing more assault complaints….