It was the week 7 fixture between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals when Deshaun Watson first went down with a non-contact injury. Tests later confirmed what everyone feared: an Achilles tear. Since then, Watson just hasn’t been able to get up. While he was already recovering from a season-ending injury, more bad news followed. He had aggravated his Achilles’ tear and now had a second tear. Despite getting a surgery done as quickly as possible, the doctors and physios are unsure if Watson could start the 2025 season or even play in it. However, Watson is not someone who stays down.
Watson often posts about his injury and recovery, offering updates on his rehab to his fans. On Friday, Watson posted an Instagram story showing what appears to be the Browns’ training area. Accompanying the picture, Watson wrote, “MoreGLORY x 4OVE.” Translation: Watson is definitely fitter and feeling much better. Notably, reports suggest that Watson has been out of the boot for weeks, meaning his recovery has caught pace. According to Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot, Watson has even been “throwing to Jerry Jeudy and David Bell indoors at the Browns’ facility.” That sounds great for the Browns.
Whilst Watson seems to be making steady progress and at a good pace, he is still not in consideration for the starting QB position. As things stand, the competition is now between Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, Joe Flacco, and Kenny Pickett. With Sanders already outshining Gabriel during rookie minicamp, the race for the starting QB role has clearly begun.
However, despite the strong competition, Shedeur has only positive things to say about his fellow quarterbacks. Speaking about how outsiders have tried to create division within the team, Sanders said, “Everybody is cool in the room. Outside of the room, people try to put us against each other. But inside the room, we know we are one.” That would be great for the team.
In an interview with Kay Adams, Sanders praised his teammates—especially Joe Flacco. “We are all different characters. It’s funny to go in there and see Joe every day. At practice, I’m like, ‘Wow, I’m really with Joe Flacco right now. We’re on the same team.’ That’s cool,” Sanders said, clearly still excited. “And then with Kenny, the experience he has from being in the league for these years—it’s cool just seeing the process of it,” he added. Sanders can benefit from their experience. But what about Watson?
Speaking about Deshaun Watson, who has yet to practice with the team, Sanders said, “And Deshaun, of course, he’s active in there. He’s in all the meetings. It’s cool talking to him.” With both these updates from the rookie and Watson, we can say that his recovery is progressing pretty well. But since he tore his Achilles twice, we expect him to take things slow.
However, with the intense competition between the four QBs, a question arises: Does Deshaun Watson really have a place on the team?
Will the Browns trade Deshaun Watson?
Deshaun Watson was once seen as the star player and potential leader for the Browns. However, what followed after he signed a $230 million fully guaranteed contract was disastrous. In 2022, shortly after the deal, Watson was suspended for 11 games due to allegations of assault. Additionally, he missed a combined 21 games across the 2023 and 2024 seasons due to injuries.
Beyond these setbacks, there is a general consensus that many Browns fans do not support him—particularly following the assault allegations. This sentiment has been evident in several public moments. For instance, he was booed by Browns fans during preseason introductions and even met with cheers from some fans after suffering an injury in 2024.
Performance-wise, Watson hasn’t delivered either. In 2023, he recorded 1,115 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. In 2024, his stats were similar: 1,148 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. With emerging talent like Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel entering the scene, a player with such numbers struggles to justify a place on the roster.
Notably, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam had referred to the trade as “a big swing and miss,” implying regret over the move given the minimal return on such a massive investment.
Considering all these factors—off-field controversies, poor performance, injuries, and fan disapproval—it seems increasingly likely that Watson could be traded to free up a roster spot. Hopefully, this time it will be for a player who can live up to both the organization’s and the fans’ expectations.
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