Browns Not Committing To Deshaun Watson Long Term
Deshaun Watson (Achilles) is set to miss the rest of the 2024 season after going down during Sunday's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Watson suffered a torn Achilles that is going to sideline him for the rest of 2024 and figures to keep him out part of next season. Head coach Kevin Stefanski is hopeful for Watson's recovery, but the organization doesn't seem fully committed to Watson going forward. This is now the second straight season that Watson will have a season-ending injury. When healthy, Watson has looked lackluster on the field, which isn't helping his case. The Browns have fallen to 1-6 with the loss on Sunday. The organization would be foolish to overlook taking a possible franchise quarterback if they get the chance in the draft. Watson is still owed $44.2 million for next season, but that doesn't sound like it's going to stop Cleveland from trying to find their next franchise quarterback.
Source: ESPN
Cleveland Browns quarterback Source: ESPN
Deshaun Watson Set To Be "Way Better Than Before" Upon Return
Deshaun Watson (Achilles) posted an Instagram video this week of him working out in Browns gear with a message for the doubters. "Everyone don't think I can get back to where I was. But I know...I'm gonna be way better than before." Watson's time as a Brown has been forgettable, with injuries and off-field issues marring his tenure with the team, and we'll have to wait longer than expected to see him again. After re-rupturing his Achilles tendon in early January, the 29-year-old is slated to miss significant time in the 2025 campaign. The Clemson product was once on an early-career superstar trajectory with the Texans. However, he's yet to recapture even an iota of his former success since holding out with Houston in 2021. Whether Watson will be a viable fantasy asset again remains to be seen, and he'll have some work to do before getting another shot on the field. It wouldn't be surprising if we didn't see him return to action in 2025.
Source: Kevin Patra
Cleveland Browns quarterback Source: Kevin Patra
Browns Restructure Deshaun Watson's Deal, Clear $35.8 Million In Cap Space
Deshaun Watson's (Achilles) 2025 salary into a signing bonus, creating $35.8 million of salary cap space. The team has already reworked Watson's contract in the past but is continuing to make moves to make it less of a financial burden in the future. Watson signed a five-year, $230 million contract with Cleveland ahead of the 2022 campaign, but it's been a disastrous tenure for the former Houston Texans first-round pick. Watson has compiled a 9-10 record across three seasons behind 19 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions. The 29-year-old's 2023 season ended with a major shoulder injury, and his 2024 season was cut short after suffering a torn Achilles. Since his in-game Achilles tear, he has suffered another Achilles setback. Watson is not expected to play in 2025, and it would be a surprise if he sees any playing time for Cleveland in 2026.
Source: Tom Pelissero
The Cleveland Browns converted $44.75 million of quarterback Source: Tom Pelissero
Deshaun Watson Wasn't Doing "Anything Nefarious" During Achilles Re-Tear
Deshaun Watson (Achilles) wasn't doing "anything nefarious" when he re-tore his right Achilles tendon last month. There has been speculation that the Browns would try to recoup some or all of the $92 million they still owe Watson for the final two years of his five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million deal. That hasn't been the case, though, and Watson continues to rehab in Cleveland and is determined to play again after the devastating injury. Still, the 29-year-old is no lock to be able to play at all in 2025 and might not play again for the Browns at all. If he stays with the Browns in 2025, which seems likely, the best bet is that Cleveland will bring in a veteran (through either trade or free agency) to serve as the starter under center.
Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot
Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said at the NFL Combine this week that quarterback Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot
Deshaun Watson Ruptures His Achilles Again, Could Miss All Of 2025
Deshaun Watson (Achilles) suffered a re-tear of his Achilles tendon and had another surgery on Thursday to fix it, according to sources informed of the situation. The re-tear comes less than three months after his original tear, and Watson could now miss the entire 2025 season. General manager Andrew Berry announced on Monday that Watson had suffered a setback in his rehab, but now we know that it's a pretty serious setback. Even if Watson can make it back at some point this year, there's an even bigger question about how he would perform after dual Achilles injuries. Since the Browns acquired Watson, he's played in just 19 of a possible 51 regular-season games due to injury and suspension -- he was suspended 11 games in 2022 following allegations of sexual misconduct. If he misses all of 2025, he will have played in just 19 of a possible 85 regular-season games.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Cleveland Browns quarterback Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
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