In a move prioritizing long-term health over immediate roster needs, the Cleveland Browns announced on December 23, 2025, that they would not elevate quarterback Deshaun Watson from the physically unable to perform list, effectively concluding his 2025 campaign without a single snap. The decision, made as the team grapples with a disappointing 3-12 record entering Week 17, underscores the lingering effects of Watson’s severe Achilles injury and raises questions about the franchise’s quarterback future.
Path to the Sideline: Injury Timeline and Recent Progress
Watson’s troubles began on October 20, 2024, when he ruptured his right Achilles tendon during a Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, forcing him out with just over a minute left in the second quarter. Initial surgery followed five days later, but complications arose in January 2025 when the tendon re-tore during rehabilitation, necessitating a second procedure on January 10. Placed on the PUP list at the start of training camp in July 2025, Watson remained sidelined for the entire season until December 3, when the Browns opened his 21-day practice window.
Over the ensuing three weeks, the 30-year-old participated in limited activities, including individual drills and scout-team simulations. Head coach Kevin Stefanski highlighted Watson’s dedication, noting his consistent efforts in the training room and on the field. Despite this, the team opted against activation, allowing Watson to revert to the PUP list where he can continue rehab but not practice outdoors. This cautious approach aligns with medical projections that full competitive readiness may not come until late 2026.
From High Hopes to Hard Realities: Acquisition and On-Field Struggles
The Browns’ investment in Watson dates back to March 2022, when they traded three first-round draft picks, plus additional selections, to the Houston Texans and inked him to a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed deal. Expectations were sky-high for the former Pro Bowler, but off-field issues quickly intervened. Watson served an 11-game suspension in 2022 for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy amid allegations of sexual misconduct from more than two dozen women during his Texans tenure.
On the field, results have been underwhelming. Across 19 starts spanning three seasons (2022-2024), the Browns posted a 9-10 record with Watson under center. His stats reflect inconsistency: a 61 percent completion rate, 3,365 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Injuries compounded the challenges—a shoulder issue sidelined him for 11 games in 2023, and the Achilles tear cut short his 2024 season after seven starts. This marks the second full year Watson has missed in five seasons, highlighting a pattern of disruptions that has stalled the team’s momentum.
Ripple Effects: Cap Constraints and Quarterback Competition
Financially, Watson’s contract looms large, with a projected $80.7 million cap hit in 2026—the league’s highest. The Browns face tough choices: retaining him could involve restructuring to halve that figure and defer costs, while a post-June 1 cut would incur over $131 million in dead money with minimal immediate relief. An insurance policy on the deal offers some buffer, potentially recouping more than $24 million for the 2026 cap. Team owner Jimmy Haslam has openly acknowledged the trade’s shortcomings, describing it as a significant misstep in organizational decision-making.
In Watson’s absence, the Browns have turned to a mix of veterans and rookies. The season opened with Joe Flacco at the helm, but he was benched after four starts and later traded. Third-round pick Dillon Gabriel stepped in for six games, going 1-5 before a concussion in Week 11. Since then, fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders has taken the reins, appearing in six contests (five starts) with 1,103 yards, six touchdowns, eight interceptions, and 15 sacks endured. Sanders is slated to start the final two games, offering a glimpse into potential long-term solutions amid uncertainty over Watson’s role.
As the Browns prepare for matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and beyond, this decision signals a shift toward youth and stability. With the contract expiring after 2026—followed by void years—the franchise must weigh Watson’s recovery against emerging talent, potentially reshaping their roster in the offseason. For a team once banking on a star quarterback to end decades of inconsistency, the path forward demands strategic cap management and bold evaluations, reminding fans that rebuilding often requires painful pivots.
