The Cleveland Browns are among the teams with the worst record in the NFL, and now they must contend with the recent injury to their star QB, Deshaun Watson, during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The former Clemson standout left the field visibly in pain, suggesting a serious injury.
According to the official Cleveland Browns account on X (formerly Twitter), Watson left the field with an Achilles injury. If confirmed, this could significantly impact Watson’s future with the franchise.
Following Watson’s exit due to his injury, Dorian Thompson-Robinson stepped in to take control of the game against the Bengals. Jameis Winston, who has often served as the backup QB, was named the third-string quarterback for this matchup.
Contractual situation of Deshaun Watson
The serious injury suffered by Watson in the game against the Bengals once again raises questions about his contractual situation with the Browns. According to nbcsports.com, Cleveland owes Watson $46 million in both 2025 and 2026, with every penny fully guaranteed. That amounts to a total of $92 million.
Once there is clarity regarding the injury to the former Clemson standout, it will be time to analyze the best options for the Browns’ management in terms of how to proceed with Deshaun Watson.
The reality is that the player could remain on the roster without playing, allowing the team to bet on his recovery and hope he can return as the franchise player next year. However, there are two less favorable alternatives: cutting him, which would result in a significant financial loss, or seeking a potential trade, a move that could also prove to be quite complex.