Deshaun Watson faces uncertain future after severe injury setback

In the United States, the Cleveland Browns are grappling with the significant repercussions of their 2022 trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson. After acquiring Watson from the Houston Texans and signing him to a fully guaranteed five-year contract worth $230 million, the Browns' expectations shifted dramatically due to Watson's inconsistent performance and multiple injuries. As of April 2025, he has played only 19 games for the team, leading to skepticism regarding the wisdom of the Browns' investment in him. Watson's tenure has been marred by issues both on and off the field, including an 11-game suspension in 2022, followed by six starts before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in 2023, and a recent re-ruptured Achilles tendon in January 2025. Since this recent injury, speculation has arisen about Watson potentially missing the entire 2025 season, which would mark a significant blow for the franchise. Cleveland Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam publicly acknowledged that the team 'took a big swing and miss' by trading for Watson, reflecting the gravity of their situation. The Browns traded five draft picks, including three first-round selections, to acquire Watson, and they are now in a position to reassess their long-term strategy. The financial implications are also noteworthy; the team secured an insurance policy that allows for considerable cap relief if Watson remains sidelined. If Watson cannot pass a physical due to his injury, the Browns could receive between $37 million and $44.2 million in cap relief for the 2026 season, which would significantly reduce his current salary cap number scheduled for that year. This development opens a pathway for the Browns to consider moving on from Watson entirely if they opt to release him. With the upcoming NFL draft, the Browns hold the second overall pick and are weighing their options for addressing their quarterback needs, given the uncertain future of Watson. The franchise has already hosted top quarterback prospects Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward, indicating their intent to explore alternatives. The Browns’ general manager, Andrew Berry, has remained vague regarding the team’s future plans for Watson, emphasizing that there is no clear timetable on his recovery due to the complex nature of the injury. Meanwhile, Kenny Pickett is the only other quarterback currently on the roster, adding to the urgency felt by the Browns' management. As the Browns contemplate their next steps, the decisions made in the following months will be crucial in defining the team’s trajectory. The franchise has the unique opportunity to mitigate the financial damage inflicted by Watson’s contract by intelligently navigating the situation, potentially moving forward without the player who has been surrounded by controversy since his arrival. Whether the Browns can recover from what Haslam describes as a monumental mistake hinges on their choices in both contract negotiations and their approach to the draft, reinforcing the critical nature of their upcoming decisions regarding their quarterback position.