Deshaun Watson’s recent actions have prompted the Cleveland Browns to reconsider their stance on their $230 million quarterback.
Watson will miss significant time after re-injuring his Achilles during rehab. He initially suffered the injury during Week 7 of the 2024 season against the Cincinnati Bengals. Watson had a second surgery in January.
Despite the injury, Watson has remained a presence around the Browns’ facility during his recovery. It’s been a positive change from the past, which Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot broke down during an appearance on 92.3 The Fan.
“The Browns were not overjoyed that he wasn’t around during the tough times of the 3-14 season after he re-ruptured the Achilles the first time,” Cabot said. “They were not overjoyed that he wasn’t around very much. Even though he had rehabbed the shoulder in Los Angeles, there was sort of a feeling like, ‘Hey, it would be nice to have you around here.’
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“Well, that’s all changed now. He has been here every day since he had the second surgery, and he has been present in the building. The coaches have raved about what he’s done inside the building in terms of helping other guys and things like that. He’s not as much of a villain, I don’t think, amongst his teammates as he is amongst the fan base.”
Deshaun Watson Serving as Mentor for Young Browns QB
Watson has been able to build a relationship with the other four quarterbacks in the room in Cleveland. That includes rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, who have raved about Watson’s input during meetings.
“He’s been a guy I’ve connected with as well. And he’s actually a guy I sit by in our O-line meetings, even in our offensive unit meetings,” Gabriel said during minicamp. “So just being able to be around him and nudge him and ask a question, whether it’s for confirmation or his thought, but also when we’re talking through concepts, I think it’s super cool that we do have five guys in the room that kind of can speak to their own experience and even Deshaun this morning, talking through a concept and kind of how he sees it in the red area. It can change the play in a big way, just how you think of it. So appreciate him a bunch too. Just sharing all his knowledge.”
Watson’s return remains uncertain, but he’s still finding ways to make an impact.
Deshaun Watson Eager to Prove Doubters Wrong
Watson has his back against the wall. His fully guaranteed contract expires after the 2026 season, and he’s running out of time to prove he still belongs in the NFL.
The Browns were hoping their 2022 blockbuster trade for Watson could solve the franchise’s quarterback woes for good. However, it’s just dug the team into a deeper hole.
Watson has appeared in just 19 games over three seasons, throwing for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Before the injury last season, he passed for 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions in seven starts, failing to surpass 200 yards in any game.
Watson has been documenting his recovery extensively on social media and has made his intentions clear about his hopes for the future.
“Everyone is doubting me. Everyone don’t believe in me,” Watson said in a video. “Everyone don’t think I can get back to where I was. But I know, and I believe the work that I put in, that I believe in myself… I know, I’m gonna be way better than before.”
