The Cleveland Browns will likely be without quarterback Deshaun Watson for all of the 2025 season and he may have played his last down of football in the brown and orange.
However, that could be the least of Watson’s worries as his re-ruptured Achilles carries far greater financial significance than just the Browns looking for his replacement this offseason.
Salary cap expert Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap has put the injury into a much steeper light that could lead to significant financial losses for the quarterback and significant gains for the Browns:
“Regarding Watson, if the Achilles injury occurred under normal rehab directed by the team his contract would still be protected. If the injury was a result of something he was not supposed to be doing his guarantees would be at risk either now or by the summer.”
So, if Watson did not re-injure the Achilles while rehabbing or doing any sort of team-condoned football activity, then Watson could forfeit his guarantees. This would allow the Browns to cut him immediately with no losses or dead money outside of the prorated bonuses they have already restructured over the past two seasons.
The Browns are likely getting an insurance company involved and filing a claim as well, as they took out a policy on Watson’s contract. If Watson misses all of the 2025 season, the Browns will recoup $44.3 million which will be reflected on their 2026 salary cap.
This situation is far from over and has the potential to become a much larger story.
