The future remains uncertain for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, but he continues to focus on his recovery from his latest injury.
Watson is rehabilitating from a second Achilles surgery after re-injuring it in January. His initial Achilles rupture occurred during a game last October, marking the second straight season he has been sidelined by injury. The previous year, a fractured shoulder also ended his season early.
Following his first Achilles injury, Watson primarily rehabbed in Miami, leading to speculation that he may have aggravated the injury through improper activity. However, Browns general manager Andrew Berry dismissed those rumors.
“Unfortunately, he turned his foot or ankle during a normal part of the recovery process, which led to the re-tear,” Berry explained at the combine. “There’s been a lot of speculation, but nothing suspicious happened. It was just an unfortunate accident. Our main priority is getting him healthy and back to full strength.”
This time, Watson appears to be spending more time at the Browns’ facility during his recovery. On Tuesday, he posted a video from the facility on social media, showing himself in a walking boot.
“At the end of the day, I have to recognize that my name and presence carry more weight than people might realize,” Watson said in the video.
Watson also responded to the criticism he has faced in recent years. As the Browns’ starting quarterback, he has a 9-10 record, including a disappointing 1-6 performance last season. During that stretch, he accumulated 3,365 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Even before his season-ending Achilles injury, Watson struggled to find consistency. The Browns’ offense failed to score more than 20 points in any game he started, and he didn’t surpass 200 passing yards in any of his seven appearances last season.
“In a way, you can’t take it personally,” Watson said. “I’ve learned that, but as humans, it’s natural to internalize other people’s opinions. The reality is, people don’t understand me or truly know me. When they don’t have that understanding, they still try to speak on it.”
The Browns anticipate Watson will miss most of next season, and there is no clear timeline for his return. However, even when he is healthy, he is unlikely to reclaim the starting quarterback role.
Cleveland has already acquired former first-round pick Kenny Pickett and is exploring additional veteran options, including Russell Wilson, who visited the team last week.
The Browns also hold the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming draft, where they could select a quarterback. Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, considered the top two prospects, are potential targets.
Watson remains under contract through 2026, but his fully guaranteed $230 million deal continues to be a financial strain on the team. Despite the significant investment, he appears unlikely to get another opportunity as the Browns’ starter.
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