Browns GM makes feelings clear over Deshaun Watson's return timeline
Deshaun Watson may not be back on the field until the start of the 2025 NFL season. The Cleveland Browns QB, who signed a $230 million contract in 2022 with the team, suffered a devastating Achilles tendon tear in a Week 7 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, which ended the eighth season of his career prematurely.
Understanding Watson's recovery can take months and knowing how important it is to prioritize regaining his health over playing, Browns General Manager Andrew Berry has now weighed in on the situation.
"I would say, for any player with a season-ending injury and a major injury, is, first and foremost, with the recovery," he said during a press conference.
That said, on Friday, Deshaun Watson underwent surgery to fix the torn Achilles tendon under Dr. Bob Anderson, who is a Charlotte-based foot and ankle specialist.
Among everything, one question that could be lingering in Browns fans' minds is whether the team will part ways with Deshaun Watson.
Cleveland Browns will lose a hefty sum if they let go of Deshaun Watson
The Browns and Deshaun Watson's $230 million deal is full of complications.
Once the 2024 NFL season is over, Watson will be in the last two years of his deal. If the Browns attempt to cut off Watson in 2025, it would lead to $172 million in cap penalties. Sure, they can go ahead and bench him.
However, paying for Watson, who isn't contributing on the field and also often creates unwanted headlines, would be a hard pill to swallow for the Browns.
Moreover, Watson's deal is fully guaranteed, which means any given attempt by the Browns to release him before 2026 will not work in their favor.
On top of that, one more reason the Browns are handicapped when it comes to axing Watson is the $72.9 million cap hit over the next two years. It severely limits the team's ability to improve their roster and onboard fresh talent.