Just because it’s the offseason doesn’t mean the Browns have stopped getting bad news. On Friday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Deshaun Watson ruptured his Achilles again and required a second surgery to repair the damage.
Sources: #Browns QB Deshaun Watson ruptured his Achilles again, further testing showed, and he had another surgery on Thursday to repair it.
Less than 3 months after the original tear, it happened again. Watson faces a longer road back, and now he could miss all of 2025. pic.twitter.com/DAppF7ykjp
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 10, 2025
Earlier this week, Browns general manager Andrew Berry said that Watson had a setback in his rehab that would extend his recovery, and this is a worst-case scenario that now could cost the QB all of 2025.
As Rapoport noted, this re-tear happened less than three months after the initial injury, which occurred on Oct. 20 against the Bengals. Watson played just seven games for the Browns this year, throwing for 1,148 yards and five touchdowns while also adding a rushing touchdown.
While the seven games were a major disappointment, they were actually the most Watson has ever played for the Browns. Since Cleveland acquired him prior to the 2022 season, the QB has dealt with multiple injuries and now faces another long recovery process.
The Browns still have two full years left on Watson’s contract extension, but they will possibly have to look elsewhere for a starting QB in 2025.
Jameis Winston will be an unrestricted free agent and could be an option to bring back after looking good with the team before getting hurt himself. The team could also choose to draft a QB with the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft or try to add another veteran via free agency or a trade.
The bottom line
The Browns will definitely be in the market for a QB this offseason since Watson’s setback means the Browns will have to plan to be without him in 2025.
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