Deshaun Watson Faces Uncertain Future After Second Achilles Surgery
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s future for the 2025 NFL season is now in serious doubt. The 29-year-old athlete recently ruptured his Achilles tendon for the second time, a setback that occurred during physical testing after the Browns’ 2024 season ended.
According to a statement from the team, Watson had initially torn his right Achilles tendon on October 20 during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. After subsequent discomfort and an MRI that revealed a re-rupture, he underwent surgery once more this Thursday under the guidance of Dr. Robert Anderson.
The Browns reported, ‘Deshaun Watson underwent a second surgery to repair his right Achilles tendon rupture. Earlier this week, during his exit physical, he complained about pain after rolling his ankle in Miami, leading to the recent MRI results.’
This unfortunate incident compounds Watson’s injury troubles since joining the Browns under a high-stakes $230 million fully guaranteed deal. In the 2024 season, he only played seven games and concluded the year on injured reserve, marking the second consecutive season he faced surgery.
The team has been proactive amidst these challenges. Last month, they restructured Watson’s contract to alleviate the salary cap burden for 2025, and they are now actively seeking options to fill the quarterback role moving forward. Cleveland currently holds the second overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, which they may leverage to address their quarterback needs.
Like many of his games in Cleveland, Watson’s tenure has been marred by injuries, limiting him significantly in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons as well. This ongoing situation raises questions about the team’s strategy as they prepare for the draft and potentially look toward veteran quarterback acquisitions.
‘Watson’s recovery timeline is unclear, but it’s likely he will miss significant time during the 2025 season,’ the team further commented, opening discussions on how these injuries will influence the Browns’ future decisions.
Watson’s Career Overview
Deshaun Watson, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, has in total thrown for 17,904 yards and has recorded 123 touchdown passes against 48 interceptions over 73 career games with the Houston Texans and Browns. His career now pivots on his recovery and a potential return to form amidst Cleveland’s rebuilding efforts.
