Browns GM has telling response to question about Deshaun Watson’s future
Aug 5, 2024; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during practice at the Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Deshaun Watson still has several years remaining on his guaranteed contract with the Cleveland Browns, but that does not necessarily mean his future with the team is secure.
On Wednesday, Browns general manager Andrew Berry was asked by a reporter if the team plans to bring Watson back next season. Rather than committing to Watson, Berry said the focus should be on making sure Watson recovers from the torn Achilles the quarterback suffered in Week 7.
“Really our focus with Deshaun, I would say for any player with a season-ending injury and a major injury, is first and foremost and to make sure that he gets healthy from the Achilles injury,” Berry said, via ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi. “Everything else, we’ll deal with at a later moment.”
Watson had been playing horribly before the Achilles injury ended his season. He threw for 1,148 yards, 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions while leading the Browns to a 1-5 record. The play was consistent with what we have seen from Watson in his three seasons with the Browns, though he has only played in 19 total games for Cleveland.
Berry said the offensive struggles should not be blamed solely on Watson. But when asked if it is possible for Watson to return as Cleveland’s starting quarterback in 2025, the GM did not sound enthusiastic.
“Yeah, I think that’s always possible,” Berry responded.
The comments from Berry sounded a lot like what Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said after Watson suffered his injury.
Watson signed a fully guaranteed $230 million deal with the Browns prior to the 2022 season. He is owed $46 million in each of the next two seasons. He has massive salary cap hits of nearly $73 million both years.
Between his poor play and embarrassing off-field issues, Watson has been a complete disaster in Cleveland. The Browns would undoubtedly love to find a way to unload him, but the situation could not be much worse for them.