The Cleveland Browns’ offseason just got a lot more complicated. Star quarterback Deshaun Watson, already facing intense scrutiny since arriving in Cleveland, might not be available for the entire 2025 NFL season due to a setback in his recovery from a torn Achilles. The injury, sustained during the 2024 season, has cast a long shadow over the Browns’ immediate future.
A Crushing Setback
According to Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot, Watson’s recovery process hit a significant snag, potentially requiring a second surgery on his Achilles. If this scenario unfolds, it would essentially wipe out his availability for 2025.
“If he needs another surgery, and if he does need this thing repaired again, I think he’s out for the 2025 season,” Cabot reported. “I just don’t know how you can try to come back from another surgery that you’re going to have in January, maybe even February, and try to be back on the football field by the start of the season.”
The implications are dire for the Browns, who are already reeling from a disappointing 2024 season. Watson’s contract—worth a fully guaranteed $230 million—has become an anchor weighing down Cleveland’s flexibility in building a competitive roster.
The Browns’ Dilemma
With Watson’s future murky, the Browns are suddenly forced to explore their options at quarterback. Cleveland holds the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, thanks to their struggles and a series of favorable trades. This ensures they’ll have a chance to select one of the two top quarterback prospects:
- Cam Ward, the Washington State phenom known for his cannon arm and mobility.
- Shedeur Sanders, the Colorado standout with NFL bloodlines and poise beyond his years.
Either player could be an immediate starter and a potential franchise cornerstone. However, betting on a rookie quarterback is always a gamble, especially in a division as competitive as the AFC North.
Alternatively, the Browns could opt to sign a veteran quarterback, with Kirk Cousins and Aaron Rodgers reportedly in the mix. Both players offer short-term solutions but come with their own risks—Cousins with his limitations in big games and Rodgers with age and durability concerns.
A Franchise at a Crossroads
The Browns are no strangers to chaos, but this situation could be franchise-altering. Watson’s contract, one of the richest and most controversial in NFL history, has yet to yield anything close to the desired results. Since joining Cleveland, Watson has struggled with consistency and injuries, and now his availability for 2025 looks bleak.
Adding to the uncertainty is the potential fallout if the Browns endure another lackluster season:
- Jobs on the Line: General Manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski may not survive another failed campaign.
- Franchise Stars Growing Restless: Defensive stalwart Myles Garrett, arguably the Browns’ best player, could begin considering greener pastures if the team’s struggles persist.
What’s Next for Cleveland?
The Browns are on the clock to make a defining decision. Will they draft their quarterback of the future, sign a veteran bridge option, or gamble on Watson’s recovery? Whatever route they choose, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
With the AFC North loaded with contenders like the Bengals, Ravens, and Steelers, Cleveland can’t afford to miss. Watson’s injury setback only amplifies the urgency for the Browns to get it right—and fast.
Verdict: Whether Watson returns in 2025 or not, Cleveland’s success in the near term hinges on how they navigate this offseason. Will they seize the opportunity to reshape their future, or will they double down on a gamble that’s yet to pay off? One thing is clear: the clock is ticking.