Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry was unsure when asked about quarterback Deshaun Watson’s future with the team.
When asked if Watson, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury on October 20, would play for the Browns again, Berry responded, “That’s always possible.”
This comment didn’t exactly show strong support for Watson, who has struggled with his performance since signing a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract.
The Browns can’t release Watson without affecting their salary cap until after the 2025 season. However, Berry wasn’t focused on discussing that possibility right now.
“Our main focus with Deshaun, and really with any player who has a season-ending injury, is to make sure he gets healthy from the Achilles injury first,” Berry said. “We’ll deal with everything else later.”
Berry also avoided saying anything negative about the decision to acquire Watson in 2022.
“I’d say this, like we’ve always said, all of us were on board,” Berry stated. “Everyone’s on board, and obviously with a big commitment in that regard, that’s always going to be the case.”
Watson’s season ended on a non-contact play during Cleveland’s 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
The 29-year-old Watson was suspended for 11 games in 2022 after over 20 women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior during massages. While two grand juries in Texas decided not to press criminal charges, the NFL and NFL Players Association reached a settlement, resulting in his suspension.
Before returning to the field, Watson had to pay a $5 million fine and undergo a treatment program recommended by behavioral experts.
This season, Watson completed 63.4 percent of his passes for 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions in seven games. The Browns were 1-6 in that stretch and are now 2-7, currently on their bye week.
