Deshaun Watson's Achilles Recovery Setback Raises Questions for Browns' 2025 Season, No. 2 Draft Pick in Play

Jan 6, 2025, 03:50 PM

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, aged 29, has suffered a setback in his recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon, as announced by General Manager Andrew Berry during a season-ending news conference. The setback was discovered during Watson's exit physical on Sunday, following the conclusion of the Browns' 3-14 season. Berry indicated that the setback will extend Watson's recovery process, though the exact impact on his availability for the 2025 season remains uncertain. Watson, who signed a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract with Cleveland in 2022, has $92 million remaining on his deal and has played in only 19 games since joining the team. This season, he started in seven games, finishing with a 1-6 record before his injury on October 20 against the Cincinnati Bengals. He underwent surgery on October 25. The Browns, holding the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, are now faced with the possibility of needing to explore other quarterback options.