Elite QB ‘unlikely’ to play again this season, contract issues on the horizon
Reports have emerged that Deshaun Watson is not likely to see any action for the rest of the season.
After months sidelined by injury, Deshaun Watson has officially returned to the practice field for Cleveland Browns, but reports now say it’s highly unlikely he’ll take the field again during the 2025 season.
Late Wednesday, the Browns triggered a 21-day window that gives them a decision: activate Watson to the active roster or leave him on reserve for the rest of the campaign.
Despite the move, insiders are clear: his chances of playing before the season ends are “slim” at best.
𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: Browns superstar QB Deshaun Watson has a "good chance" to remain with the team as a potential starter in 2026, per @RapSheet
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 7, 2025
He's not expected to play this season. pic.twitter.com/As37jxdfFD
What injury does Deshaun Watson have?
The QB first tore his Achilles in Week 7 of the 2024 season. In January 2025, he suffered a re-rupture that required a second surgery.
Although he’s now participating in individual drills and even scout-team work, coach Kevin Stefanski has emphasised that Watson’s immediate focus is simply regaining comfort and mechanics, not rejoining the on-field fun.
“He has been working so hard, rehabbing, so finally to get out there on the practice field with his teammates to go through individual, I think this is really great for him,” Stefanski said on Wednesday when Watson was designated to return. “His focus, my focus is obviously getting him back to playing football, practicing football, which he hasn’t done in over a year.”
There are varied reasons as to why the Browns expect Deshaun Watson back next season, with money being a part of it. The Browns also believe Watson has added to their quarterback room and provided a veteran presence that has had value for the rookie quarterbacks. https://t.co/gTGuxnCpy3
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 7, 2025
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When the Browns signed Watson in 2022, he put pen to paper on a five-year deal worth $230 million, which was all fully guaranteed. That means regardless of performance or injury, he is owed the full amount. As of 2025, his deal still has a $46 million base salary in both 2025 and 2026, also fully guaranteed. This of course raises many questions about his future in the team, with the winds of change potentially blowing his way in the not-too-distant future.
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