Deshaun Watson’s future as Cleveland’s quarterback is uncertain.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry said on Monday that Watson has experienced a setback in his recovery from an Achilles tendon injury, and the team is unsure if or when he will be available in 2025.
“We’ll know more in the next couple days or weeks,” Berry said.
Since signing a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract with Cleveland in 2022, Watson has only played in 19 games. The contract has been a disappointment, as Watson hasn’t played well when he has been healthy.
Berry started the season wrap-up news conference with the unexpected update on Watson. The quarterback made just seven starts this season as the Browns (3-14) struggled after making the playoffs last year.
Berry explained that the team learned about Watson’s new medical issue during player exit meetings on Sunday when the 29-year-old mentioned it to team doctors. He stressed that it’s too early to understand what this means for Watson and the team moving forward. It’s still unclear if surgery will be needed.
Watson had his Achilles repaired on October 25. He has been dividing his time between Ohio and Florida during his recovery. Watson has not spoken to the media since his injury.
“One thing I have learned from this year, I don’t want to rule out anything with a major injury,” Berry said. “We are still collecting all the information. Then obviously our focus is making sure that he can get as healthy as possible.”
Berry mentioned that the team will know more about Watson’s situation in the coming days. The Browns had recently restructured Watson’s contract to give them salary-cap flexibility in the future.
Watson went 1-6 as a starter this season before injuring his Achilles on October 20 against Cincinnati. At the time, he was one of the NFL’s lowest-rated quarterbacks, and his injury caused the Browns to start three different quarterbacks after already using five in 2023. Last season, Watson had a season-ending injury to his right throwing shoulder and had major surgery.
The Browns signed free agent Joe Flacco, who helped lead Cleveland to a wild-card berth and revived his career.
When the Browns signed Watson, they thought they had finally found their franchise quarterback. Watson had been a three-time Pro Bowler in Houston, but injuries and poor performance have left the team in the same position as it was three years ago.
Berry didn’t provide specific plans for improving the quarterback position. Cleveland will have the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and could select a young quarterback to develop. The team is also expected to sign a veteran free agent to either start next season or serve as a “bridge” quarterback.
“That room will look different next year,” Berry said.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson is the only quarterback under contract for next season. Jameis Winston, who signed a one-year deal with Cleveland, could also be an option. Winston helped revive the offense after Watson’s injury, throwing for 497 yards in a loss at Denver, but he was benched after throwing eight interceptions in three games.
Berry said he was personally “embarrassed” by the team’s decline this season. The Browns began the offseason on Sunday by firing offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and offensive line coach Andy Dickerson. Berry believes the team still has a strong group of players to compete and doesn’t think a complete rebuild is necessary.
Berry said he expects defensive star Myles Garrett to remain with the Browns and retire with the team. Garrett, who finished the season with 14 sacks, recently told ownership that he didn’t want to waste any more years on rebuilding.
“I don’t envision an offseason where we’re moving on from a ton of core players,” Berry said.
