The Cleveland Browns have officially pushed the Deshaun Watson problem down the line.
On Tuesday, as expected, the Browns placed Watson on the reserve/physically unable to perform list. He’s in the midst of rehabbing a torn Achilles.
The placement on the PUP list means Watson can’t play for at least the first four regular season games in 2025.
Likely, he’ll be out for much longer.
The QB depth chart includes Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders for at least as long as Watson is out.
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Watson has recently shared videos of him on social media doing some running. It makes it seem likely he’ll be medically cleared to play at some point this season.
And at that point, it’d be costly for the Browns to release him.
“He’s more likely to end up on the Browns’ 53-man roster than to be released, given that the team would incur an enormous 2026 cap charge of $131.161 million with a terminated contract,” writes Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio.
Placement on the 53-man roster wouldn’t necessarily mean that Watson plays. Teams often have a third QB and keep them inactive on gameday.
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Watson has a record of 9-10 as a starter in Cleveland. That included a putrid 1-6 record in 2024.
It’d probably be simpler for the Browns if Watson’s recovery went slowly, but it seems like he’s attacking a comeback with some vigor.
The real suspense will begin if Watson is cleared to play. What will the Browns do then? It’s anyone’s guess.
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