Deshaun Watson’s tumultuous tenure with the Cleveland Browns appears to be nearing its conclusion – and perhaps his NFL career, as well.
Before the 2022 season, the Browns signed Watson to the largest fully guaranteed contract in NFL history, despite his recovery from a significant injury and ongoing legal issues. Unfortunately, things have not unfolded as either party envisioned.
Watson missed most of the 2022 season, serving an 11-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. This left him with just six games played that year. In 2023, injuries limited him to another six games, including a shoulder injury that prematurely ended his season.
In 2024, Watson managed only seven games before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury. Although he was expected to make a full recovery and return in 2025, a recent setback now threatens his future with the team.
On Friday, the Browns announced that Watson underwent a second surgery on Thursday after re-rupturing his Achilles tendon, jeopardizing his 2025 season.
“Yesterday, Deshaun Watson underwent a second surgery to repair his right Achilles tendon rupture,” the team shared in their Friday statement. “Watson initially tore the tendon during the Browns’ Week 7 game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Oct. 20. His first surgery was performed on Oct. 25. 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. MRI results demonstrated a re-rupture to his Achilles tendon. Dr. Bob Anderson, a foot and ankle specialist in Charlotte, NC, performed both surgeries. Watson’s recovery time and return to play status is uncertain, and he will likely miss significant time during the 2025 season.”
This setback not only endangers Watson’s 2025 season but could mark the end of his career with the Browns, or in the NFL in general.
As Cory Kinnan of BrownsWire explains, the Browns are positioned to recover $44.3 million of Watson’s $46 million 2025 base salary through insurance if he is unable to play. That, coupled with his contract structure and the fact that he has been one of the worst quarterbacks in the league even when he has played.
“Yes, this means that the Browns will see $44.3 million put back into their cap space. However, this policy would not be cashed out until after the 2025 season, so the Browns would see that total recouped in their 2026 cap space,” Kinnan wrote for BrownsWire.
“After his latest contract restructure, the Browns are on a timeline to cut Watson with a post-June 1 designation after the 2026 season, so expect that money to be rolled over when they do collect it to completely wash out the dead cap burden of $35 million in 2027 and still have some cash left over to spend from the insurance payment.”
In addition to his health concerns, Watson simply has not been the same player for the Browns as he was when he made three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2018 to 2020 and led the league in passing in 2020. In fact, he has been among the worst and least accurate passers in the entire league.
Given this, it’s largely believed that Watson’s time in Cleveland is over, and perhaps his NFL career, leading to a lot of reactions on social media.
“He will never play another down in Cleveland certifying this as the worst trade/contract in NFL history,” one fan wrote on X.
“His career in Cleveland is over. That’s what’s best for the Browns and for Watson,” someone else said.
“He will be able to live whatever normal life he wants. He will have made $280M when the Browns are done paying him. So, NO, I don’t have any sympathy. He’s done with the Browns and likely the NFL. Browns will collect insurance and cut him post-06/01/26. We’re all done,” someone else added.
“Wish Deshaun a speedy recovery, but this has to be the end regardless,” another person said.
“Will be surprised if he ever plays again,” someone else said.
“This pretty much locks them into drafting a QB at no2, they are fortunate to be drafting there. Watson had already lost a lot of arm strength this season from the shoulder, he was bending at the waist to throw hard. Now a bad shoulder and a bum wheel. It’s time to eat the money,” another person wrote.
