Deshaun Watson faces an uncertain future with the Cleveland Browns heading into the 2025 NFL season. The 29-year-old quarterback suffered a second rupture of his right Achilles tendon in January, three months after his first tear last October. As a result, the AFC North franchise decided to sign Joe Flacco.
There is a lot of speculation about when Watson will return to play. His recovery will take time, but in the meantime, the Browns are counting on Flacco at quarterback next season. In the days leading up to the NFL Draft, the question is whether the addition of the former Indianapolis Colts player will be enough.
During a pre-NFL Draft press conference, Browns general manager Andrew Berry offered clarity on whether quarterback Deshaun Watson will be able to play in the 2025 season. At the same time, he stated that the team is open to exploring different options at the quarterback position.
Browns’ message on Watson’s return to play
“It’s too early to say. I can say Deshaun has done a great job of rehabbing. He’s been in every day. He’s progressing and that’s really our focus, but it’s too early to say,” Berry stated, according to NBC Sports. His statement brings more calm than previous opinions on behalf of the franchise.
In March, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam had sharply criticized the acquisition of Watson due to his repeated injuries. “We took a big swing and miss with Deshaun. We thought we had the quarterback, we didn’t and we gave up a lot of draft picks to get him. So we’ve got to dig ourselves out of that hole. [The trade] was an entire organization decision and it ends with Dee and I, so hold us accountable,” he said to ESPN.
Will the Browns pick a QB in the draft?
Cleveland holds the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and is weighing several options to strengthen its roster. While they’ve re-signed veteran Joe Flacco and acquired Kenny Pickett, uncertainty surrounding Deshaun Watson’s recovery could lead the team to select a young quarterback like Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward.
SURVEY Should the Browns pick a quarterback in the NFL draft?
Should the Browns pick a quarterback in the NFL draft?
already voted 121 fans