Deshaun Watson will not see the field this season, but the Cleveland Browns quarterback remains hard at work behind the scenes as he prepares for an eventual return.
Watson is continuing his rehab from a pair of Achilles surgeries. He initially suffered the injury in October 2024 and required a second procedure a few months later after a setback in his recovery.
The veteran quarterback returned to practice in early December, but the Browns ultimately chose not to activate him within the 21-day window. As a result, Watson reverted to the reserve/PUP list and has been unable to practice with the team, though he has continued his rehabilitation at the team facility.
While his return remains on hold, Watson appeared upbeat in his latest social media post, looking healthy and optimistic as he turns his focus toward the new year and the next chapter of his comeback.
“Small steps, Everyday, Leads to Big Changes. Stay Consistent!” Watson said in the caption.
Deshaun Watson Expected to Remain With Browns
Watson has one year remaining on the four-year contract he signed in 2022 after the blockbuster trade that brought him to Cleveland. His deal is fully guaranteed, and moving on from Watson would trigger massive financial penalties for the Browns.
As a result, Cleveland is not expected to absorb that hit and part ways with Watson. He is expected to remain on the roster next season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. But the decision isn’t driven solely by the money.
“There are varied reasons the team expects Watson back next season, with money being a factor. Moving on from him would be costly, as the Browns would incur a dead salary cap charge of close to $135 million if they released him before June 1 and a $53 million cap charge if he were designated a post-June 1 cap casualty,” Schefter said in December. “The Browns believe Watson has contributed to their quarterback room and provided a veteran presence that has had value for their rookie quarterbacks. That’s another reason he was back at practice last week and is expected back with the team next season.”
Deshaun Watson Draws Praise From Browns
Despite not being activated, the Browns praised Watson after deciding that he would not be activated this season.
“He’s done a great job with everything that’s been asked of him,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “I’ve gotten to see him work so hard, whether it’s in the training room, by himself in the indoor with the trainers, on the practice field now for the last bit. Just felt like this was the right decision for him and for us. His focus will continue to be to help this football team and continue to get healthy and get stronger and all those types of things.”
Watson’s goal is to return as a viable NFL starter, but that path is increasingly unlikely to run through Cleveland. The Browns are weighing whether to move forward with Shedeur Sanders as their quarterback or use one of their premium draft picks on a top rookie passer. In a best-case scenario, Watson would open next season as a short-term bridge for Sanders or a newly drafted quarterback.
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