NFL fans react to news Deshaun Watson is done in Cleveland

The Cleveland Browns ruffled a lot of feathers when they signed controversial quarterback Deshaun Watson to the biggest guaranteed contract in NFL history. Unfortunately for the Browns, Watson’s play off the field has not been enough to make up for the negative press that came from the move.

The situation became even more complicated when Watson ruptured his Achilles this year against the Cincinnati Bengals.

On Monday, Browns GM Andrew Berry told reporters that Watson suffered a setback in his recovery process and that he is unsure how the setback will impact Watson’s status for the start of next season.

Now, one Cleveland-area reporter is reading between the lines on the situation.

“I’m not sure I’ve seen a team announce an injury setback in January the way the Browns just did with Deshaun Watson. Coupled with the nature of the most recent restructure and it seems pretty clear they’re signaling he’s done here for good,” posted Awful Announcing’s Ben Axelrod on Twitter.

I'm not sure I've seen a team announce an injury setback in January the way the Browns just did with Deshaun Watson. Coupled with the nature of the most recent restructure and it seems pretty clear they're signaling he's done here for good.

— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) January 6, 2025

Fans reacted to Axelrod’s post on social media.

“That and he basically kept saying our number one goal with Deshaun is to get him healthy. That’s his go to anytime asked about him,” one fan wrote on Twitter.

“Yeah I’ve never seen a team announce a injury ‘setback’ this early in the offseason. I hope, for everyones sake (even his), this means he’s done here for good,” one fan added.

“I don’t think the fans will ever embrace him anyway. Definitely doesn’t have that ‘one of us’ energy some guys do. Best for everyone if he’s done,” another fan added.

It’ll be interesting to see if Watson ever takes an NFL field again.