Watson’s Last Chance? Achilles Injury Threatens Browns QB’s Future in 2025
The Cleveland Browns’ gamble on Deshaun Watson has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, filled with more downs than ups. After a Week 7 victory against the Baltimore Ravens in 2024, where the Browns narrowly escaped with a 33-31 win, Watson was placed on injured reserve, with what was believed to be a season-ending shoulder injury. Now, as the Browns look toward the 2025 season, a far more serious question mark hangs over Watson’s future: Can he recover from a second Achilles tendon rupture, and will the Browns ever see a return on their massive investment?
A Troubled Tenure in Cleveland
Deshaun Watson’s arrival in Cleveland was met with both excitement and controversy. The Browns traded a king’s ransom to acquire him and handed him a fully guaranteed, five-year, $230 million contract. However, his performance on the field has been underwhelming, and his availability has been severely limited.
Since joining the Browns, Watson has struggled to find consistency and stay healthy. In 2022, he was suspended 11 games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. In the seasons since, injuries have repeatedly sidelined him, preventing him from establishing any rhythm or rapport with his teammates. Before his initial Achilles injury against the Cincinnati Bengals, Watson’s stats in 2024 were a mixed bag: 137 completions on 216 attempts for 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions in seven games. He was also sacked a staggering 33 times.
The Achilles Heel: A Recurring Nightmare
Just when it seemed Watson was on the road to recovery, disaster struck again. During his exit physical at the end of the 2024 season, Watson complained of discomfort after rolling his ankle in Miami. An MRI revealed a re-rupture of his Achilles tendon, requiring a second surgery performed by Dr. Bob Anderson in Charlotte, NC.
This second Achilles rupture throws Watson’s 2025 season into serious doubt. According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, this injury could sideline Watson for the entire 2025 season. The Browns confirmed the re-injury and surgery, stating that Watson’s “recovery time and return to play status is uncertain, and he will likely miss significant time during the 2025 season.”
The severity of the injury and the uncertainty surrounding Watson’s recovery have forced the Browns to confront the possibility that their starting quarterback may not be available for the foreseeable future. This has significant implications for their offseason plans and their approach to the 2025 season.
The Browns’ Quarterback Conundrum
With Watson’s future uncertain, the Browns find themselves in a precarious position at quarterback. General Manager Andrew Berry acknowledged that the quarterback room “will look different next year,” and the team has already taken steps to address the situation.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Browns selected Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel in the third round and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders in the fifth. They also traded for Kenny Pickett. Veteran Joe Flacco is also on the roster.
The Browns’ quarterback situation is now crowded and complex. While Flacco’s experience gives him a potential edge, Pickett, Gabriel, and Sanders will all be vying for playing time and the opportunity to prove themselves.
Contractual Implications and Financial Flexibility
Watson’s contract has been a major topic of discussion since he arrived in Cleveland. The fully guaranteed $230 million deal has limited the Browns’ financial flexibility and made it difficult to build a complete roster around him.
In March 2025, the Browns restructured Watson’s contract to create nearly $36 million in cap space for the upcoming season. This move converted a significant portion of his salary into a bonus, pushing the cap hit further into the future. While this provides short-term relief, it also means that the Browns will be dealing with Watson’s contract for years to come, regardless of his performance or availability.
According to Spotrac.com, Watson’s 2025 cap hit is $35,971,514, with a dead cap value of $167,134,892. In 2026, his cap charge jumps to $81.7 million. The Browns have been proactive in managing Watson’s contract, but the financial implications remain significant.
A Make-or-Break Year
The 2025 season could be a defining moment for Deshaun Watson’s career and his future with the Cleveland Browns. If he is able to recover from his Achilles injury and return to form, he could finally justify the team’s investment and lead them to contention. However, if he struggles to stay healthy or perform at a high level, the Browns may have to consider moving on and finding a new franchise quarterback.
The Browns have shown a willingness to explore all options, as evidenced by their moves in the draft and free agency. They are clearly preparing for the possibility that Watson may not be the answer, and they are determined to find a quarterback who can lead them to success.
Deshaun Watson’s journey with the Browns has been filled with challenges and setbacks. As he faces another long and difficult recovery, the pressure is on to prove that he can still be the player the Browns believed they were getting. The 2025 season could be his last chance to silence the doubters and secure his future in Cleveland.