The Cleveland Browns have decided not to activate quarterback Deshaun Watson from the reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. This decision effectively ends his season as he continues to recover from injuries sustained to his Achilles tendon. Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed the news on Tuesday, stating that the team would allow Watson’s practice window to close without further action.
Watson’s struggles have been marked by a series of injuries that have significantly impacted his performance since he joined the Browns. Following two Achilles tears, his path to recovery has been challenging. Although he returned to practice on December 3, expectations of him returning to play this season were low. The Browns will now move forward without him, marking a second consecutive season in which he has not taken a snap.
Watson, previously a franchise quarterback for the Houston Texans, faced a tumultuous period in 2021 when he was a healthy scratch for the entire season. This followed his trade request and subsequent allegations of sexual misconduct that emerged. Despite these issues, the Browns acquired Watson in 2022, giving up three first-round picks and signing him to a five-year contract worth $230 million, fully guaranteed. This decision has come under scrutiny as Watson’s performance has not met the expectations tied to such a lucrative deal.
With Watson sidelined, Shedeur Sanders, a fifth-round rookie, is currently filling the quarterback role. Sanders has shown promise, but uncertainties remain regarding his long-term viability as the team’s starting quarterback. The Browns’ management, including general manager Andrew Berry, will need to evaluate their options moving forward, especially as they hold two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Watson’s contract situation remains complicated. He is set to count $80.72 million against the Browns’ 2026 payroll, a figure that reflects the extensive restructuring done to manage cap space. Releasing him would incur a staggering $131.16 million in dead money, making it unlikely that the team will part ways with him next season.
Despite ongoing challenges, the Browns have maintained that Watson brings valuable experience to the team. However, his fully guaranteed contract has not inspired a trend among other NFL teams, with few opting to offer similar deals since his extension. The fallout from Watson’s contract may serve as a cautionary tale for future negotiations within the league.
As the Browns navigate this complex situation, the focus will shift to how they can rebuild and improve their roster, particularly at the quarterback position, as they aim for better results in the upcoming seasons.
