The Cleveland Browns have had their fair share of struggles in recent seasons, and the situation surrounding quarterback Deshaun Watson has only exacerbated the issue. After tearing his right Achilles tendon again, Watson has undergone surgery, leaving the team in a state of uncertainty regarding his recovery and future contributions. The Browns issued a statement clarifying that his return to play is uncertain, and it’s likely that he will miss significant time in the upcoming 2025 season. Watson, who had already been dealing with injuries, complains of ongoing discomfort from a prior ankle roll in Miami, which ultimately led to an MRI that confirmed the re-rupture.
This injury is particularly concerning given Watson’s volatile history with injuries over the past few years. He initially tore his Achilles in October 2023, and that setback marked the second consecutive season where an injury cut his campaign short. In addition to the Achilles issues, Watson also underwent surgery on his throwing shoulder in 2023, missing the last eight games of that season. According to reports, it will take him approximately seven months for recovery, which pushes any potential return late into the 2025 season or possibly beyond.
The situation raises pressing questions about the Browns’ quarterback depth. Currently, the primary backup is Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who showed inconsistency during his two appearances and raises doubts about his viability as a starting quarterback. Furthermore, Jameis Winston and Bailey Zappe are both unrestricted or restricted free agents, meaning their future with the team is equally uncertain. This unexpectedly creates an opportunity for a complete overhaul of the quarterback roster, which Browns’ general manager Andrew Berry has acknowledged.
Watson’s situation is compounded by the financial implications of his contract, which averages a staggering $46 million for the next two years as part of a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million deal. Given his recent performance—evidenced by the lowest Total QBR in the NFL prior to his injury—the investment already appears risky. The potential cap hits in subsequent seasons escalate to $72.9 million, making Watson one of the most expensive quarterbacks in the league while he has played in just 19 games since being traded to the Browns.
Despite these daunting financial concerns, the Browns have reportedly restructured Watson’s contract to extend the financial burden into the future, pushing dead salary cap into 2030. However, whether this decision will pay off depends heavily on how Watson recovers and if the Browns can successfully develop a robust quarterback lineup around him.
As the Browns transition into the offseason, they must grapple with these multifaceted challenges surrounding Watson’s health and the stability of their offensive structure. With the No. 2 pick in the upcoming NFL draft, the team has a unique opportunity to address their quarterback dilemma. Whether they decide to select one of the top prospects or navigate this uncertain period with Thompson-Robinson leads to numerous strategic possibilities. The coming months will be critical for the Browns to reconsider their path moving forward and hopefully secure a stronger foundation for the future.
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