News Summary
The Cleveland Browns are in a tough spot as Deshaun Watson’s future is uncertain following a ruptured Achilles tendon. With Watson placed on the PUP list, veteran Joe Flacco steps in as the starter while the financial implications of Watson’s hefty contract loom over the franchise, raising questions about his future with the team.
Cleveland – The Cleveland Browns are grappling with a significant quarterback conundrum, as the future of Deshaun Watson remains uncertain due to a ruptured Achilles tendon sustained earlier this year. Watson’s injury has led to his placement on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, which guarantees that he will miss at least the first four games of the upcoming season.
Despite his injury issues, Watson has shared some encouraging signs of recovery through workout videos posted on social media. However, insiders in the Browns organization indicate that while he is eligible to return anytime after Week 4, it is increasingly unlikely that he will see any game action this season. The team has opted to place Watson on the Active PUP list instead of the Reserve PUP, allowing for more flexibility in his return timeline.
In Watson’s absence, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco has been named the starter for the upcoming season. He will be supported by rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, who currently occupy the backup positions. With the quarterback situation in flux, the Browns are under considerable pressure due to Watson’s hefty contract of $230 million, which is fully guaranteed. Team ownership has reflected on this substantial investment, describing it as “a big swing and miss” in light of Watson’s recent performance and current injury challenges.
The financial implications of Watson’s contract pose serious questions for the organization. If Watson manages to recover and return to the field, the Browns face a pivotal decision regarding his future with the team. Should they contemplate releasing him, it would carry an enormous salary cap hit of $131.161 million for the year 2026, significantly affecting the franchise’s financial health and roster decisions.
Among the current quarterbacks, Shedeur Sanders finds himself ranked third on the depth chart, raising concerns among fans regarding his potential position within the team. Should Watson be able to return, there is a possibility that Sanders would be shifted to the practice squad, which could leave him vulnerable to being signed by other teams looking to bolster their rosters. This uncertainty adds an extra layer of complexity to the Browns’ planning.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has publicly expressed optimism about Watson’s rehabilitation process and his overall progress in recovery. However, the metrics from Watson’s tenure with the Browns tell a different story, as he holds a disappointing 9-10 record, with 3,365 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. These statistics indicate that his contributions have not met the expectations set forth by the franchise when he was acquired.
The ownership’s criticisms of Watson’s performance highlight broader challenges the franchise has faced in managing its quarterback position in recent years. After several seasons marked by instability, the Browns have struggled to establish a reliable leader under center, which has compounded the issues they face heading into the new season.
As the Browns navigate these uncertainties, the eventual return of Watson, coupled with his performance post-recovery, remains a pivotal focal point for the organization’s future planning. The dynamic of Cleveland’s quarterback situation serves as a critical indicator of the team’s prospects in the coming season, setting up a potentially tumultuous battle for both the immediate and long-term future of the franchise.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Edinburgh Football Game Canceled Due to Injury
Cleveland Browns Navigate Quarterback Challenges Ahead of Watson’s Return
Shedeur Sanders Rises in NFL Jersey Sales Despite Preseason Struggles
Cleveland Browns Navigate Quarterback Uncertainty
Deshaun Watson Faces Scrutiny Amid Browns’ Struggles
Cleveland Browns Debunk Rumor on Shedeur Sanders’ Earnings
Bengals Defeat Browns in Narrow Season Opener
Dillon Gabriel Changes Jersey Number to Honor Legacy
Preseason Game Suspended Due to Injury in Detroit Lions
NFL Preseason Kickoff: Key Matchups and Player Battles
Additional Resources
- Newsweek: Browns Could Make Shocking Deshaun Watson Decision
- Wikipedia: Deshaun Watson
- Heavy: Insider Stunning Decision on Deshaun Watson
- Google Search: Deshaun Watson
- SI: Deshaun Watson’s Latest Social Media Video Hints He is Close to a Return
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Football League
- Browns Nation: Browns Could Make Surprise Move With Deshaun Watson
- Google News: Cleveland Browns
- AccessWDUN: Browns QB Deshaun Watson Reinjires Achilles, Has Surgery
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
