BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns are facing increased uncertainty regarding Deshaun Watson’s future as their starting quarterback. On Monday, Andrew Berry, the Browns’ general manager, revealed that Watson has encountered a setback in his recovery from an Achilles tendon injury, leaving the timeline for his potential return in 2025 unclear.
Berry pointed out that more information regarding Watson’s status should be available in the upcoming days or weeks. Since signing a fully guaranteed five-year contract worth $230 million with Cleveland in 2022, Watson has managed to play only 19 games, and his performances have not lived up to expectations, leaving the team questioning the deal’s viability.
During his season-ending press conference, Berry shared the unexpected news concerning Watson, who only made seven starts this season while the Browns finished with a disappointing 3-14 record after a playoff appearance the previous year. The new medical issue was brought to light during exit meetings on Sunday, which Watson discussed with team doctors. Berry stated that it is premature to determine the implications of this new setback for both Watson and the team, and it remains uncertain if surgery will be required.
Watson recently underwent Achilles repair surgery on October 25 and has been dividing his recovery time between Ohio and Florida. He has not addressed the media since his injury. Berry conveyed caution about making any assumptions regarding Watson’s recovery, saying, “I don’t want to rule out anything with a major injury. We are still collecting all the information. Then obviously our focus is making sure that he can get as healthy as possible.”
The organization hopes to have more clarity on Watson’s situation soon. Recently, the Browns restructured his contract to provide future salary-cap relief and enhance flexibility. Before sustaining the Achilles injury on October 20, Watson had a challenging season, finishing with a 1-6 record as a starter and holding one of the lowest quarterback ratings in the NFL at that time. His injury forced the Browns to start three additional quarterbacks, making it difficult for the team after already utilizing five different quarterbacks over the course of the 2023 season. The previous season, Watson suffered another severe injury, this time to his right throwing shoulder, which required significant surgery.
To add depth to their quarterback position, the Browns signed veteran Joe Flacco, who found new life in his career and guided the team to a wild-card berth. The organization initially thought it had resolved its longstanding quest for a franchise quarterback when they acquired Watson, a three-time Pro Bowler during his time in Houston. However, injuries and inconsistent performances have left the team back at square one.
Berry did not specify any plans for enhancing quarterback performance, but he did acknowledge that Cleveland will hold the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s NFL draft, presenting an opportunity to select a young quarterback for future development. The Browns are also anticipated to pursue a veteran free agent quarterback who could either take on a starting role or serve as a temporary solution. “That room will look different next year,” Berry remarked.
Currently, Dorian Thompson-Robinson is the only quarterback with a contract for the next season. While Jameis Winston initially signed a one-year deal with the Browns, he may also be an option moving forward. After Watson’s injury, Winston briefly energized the offense, throwing for 497 yards in a losing effort against Denver, though he had his share of struggles, including eight interceptions over a three-game spell.
Berry expressed personal disappointment in the team’s performance this season, stating he felt “embarrassed” by the regression. As part of efforts to turn the team around, the Browns have already made coaching changes, firing offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and offensive line coach Andy Dickerson. Despite the setbacks, Berry remains confident that the Browns retain a strong core of players and do not require a complete rebuild.
Defensive superstar Myles Garrett is expected to remain with the team and retire as a Brown, as he recently voiced his frustration over wasting more seasons in rebuilding phases. Berry asserted, “My anticipation, expectation is that he’ll have a direct ticket from Cleveland to Canton at the end of his years and expect him to retire a Brown.” Garrett, who concluded the season with 14 sacks, is also in contention for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award for a second consecutive season. The team’s objective, Berry emphasized, remains focused on winning and improving overall team performance.
In other updates, Berry did not commit to a specific future for running back Nick Chubb, who made a return after a severe knee injury only to face another setback with a broken foot last month. Chubb is set to become a free agent in March, and the team might consider offering a deal packed with incentives, given his status as one of the franchise’s most beloved players. Furthermore, Berry had no new information regarding linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who sustained a potentially career-threatening neck injury.
