News Summary
The Cleveland Browns are grappling with quarterback Deshaun Watson’s continued absence due to an Achilles injury, impacting their roster strategy. With Watson on the PUP list and veteran Joe Flacco starting in his place, speculations arise over his potential return and overall team performance for the upcoming season. As the situation develops, the team must balance player health with strategic decisions while evaluating their future in the quarterback position.
Cleveland – The Cleveland Browns are facing a challenging situation as quarterback Deshaun Watson remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list due to an Achilles injury sustained last October. His recovery continues to be a concern, especially after he re-injured his Achilles in January, casting doubt on his return for the upcoming 2025 season.
As it stands, the Browns have named veteran quarterback Joe Flacco as the starter for Week 1 of the season, a decision influenced by Watson’s uncertain status. If Watson stays on the PUP list, he will be ineligible to practice or play for at least the first four games. After this period, the Browns will have a five-week window to decide whether to activate him or keep him on the PUP list for the remainder of the season.
The Browns find themselves in a complicated quarterback situation after acquiring Watson, previously a Pro Bowl player, with a fully guaranteed contract worth $230 million. This decision has been under scrutiny, with team owner Jimmy Haslam labeling it a “big swing-and-miss” due to Watson’s lackluster performance since joining the team. Over three seasons, Watson has recorded a 9-10 record, with his statistics declining substantially compared to his time with the Houston Texans.
Initially, the Browns have included quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders on their roster for the 2025 season, signaling a potential shift in their quarterback strategy. Watson’s initial contract had left $92 million remaining, with $46 million restructured to provide him with more immediate cash flow. Termination of Watson’s contract could result in a substantial cap hit of approximately $131.161 million in 2026, complicating financial decisions for the team.
Recent reports indicate a glimmer of hope for Watson’s recovery as he was seen participating in a throwing workout observed by team executives, suggesting he may be closer to returning than originally anticipated. However, there is still speculation surrounding whether Watson will push to return to the active roster prematurely, which could create conflict with the team’s decision-makers weighing his health against the potential for a return to play.
Off the field, Watson has remained active, using social media to document his recovery and maintaining a presence at the team facility by participating in meetings and supporting his teammates. His commitment to the team and recovery journey is evident despite ongoing uncertainties regarding his playing status.
As the Browns head into the season, the unresolved situation with Watson poses significant implications for the team’s performance and overall strategy. The franchise will need to navigate these challenges while ensuring the well-being of their players and the future of their quarterback lineup.
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: Deshaun Watson’s $230 Million Salary Situation
- Realtor.com: Deshaun Watson’s Real Estate Moves
- Heavy.com: Deshaun Watson Return Plan Warning
- USA Today: Deshaun Watson’s PUP List Status
- Bleacher Report: Watson’s Achilles Injury Rehab
- Wikipedia: Deshaun Watson
- Google Search: Deshaun Watson
- Google Scholar: Deshaun Watson
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Deshaun Watson
- Google News: Deshaun Watson
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
