Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson tore his Achilles tendon again and needed another surgery to repair it, according to a new report.
Watson originally ruptured his Achilles tendon on October 20.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry said during a press conference this week that the quarterback had a setback and tests showed the new tear, according to NFL Network.
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The Cleveland Browns’ Deshaun Watson leaves the field after a game against the Dallas Cowboys in Cleveland on Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
The surgery leaves Watson’s status for the 2025 season in doubt.
Without Watson, the Browns could turn to the NFL Draft or free agency to replace him.
The team has the second overall pick in the draft and will have the opportunity to select top quarterback prospects Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward if the Tennessee Titans don’t take one of them with the first overall pick.
Trading for Watson a few years ago has hampered the Browns, who gave up a lot of draft capital and signed him to an exorbitant deal.
The Browns gave up first-round picks in 2022, 2023 and 2024, plus other picks, to acquire him from the Houston Texans.
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson during practice at the team’s training complex on Nov. 30, 2022, in Berea, Ohio. (AP Photo/David Richard)
In addition to the draft capital the Browns gave the Texans to acquire him, they signed Watson to a five-year, $230 million contract that is fully guaranteed.
With Watson’s play and off-the-field issues, the contract has quickly become a nuisance.
In his three seasons with the team, Watson has played in 19 games.
Watson was suspended for 11 games two seasons ago after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior during scheduled massage sessions.
Before getting injured this season, Watson struggled on the field.
New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns, right, forces Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) to fumble during the first half on Sept. 22, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
The former Clemson quarterback completed 63.4% of his passes for 1,148 yards while throwing five touchdowns and three interceptions in seven starts. The Browns went 1-6 in his starts this season.
To make matters worse for the Browns, Baker Mayfield, who they replaced with Watson, is thriving with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Under Mayfield, the Bucs won back-to-back NFC South titles.
Depending on how things turn out with Watson’s injury and who the Browns bring in at quarterback this offseason, there is a chance that Watson may have played his last snap with the Browns.
