Deshaun Watson is suffering from a torn Achilles tendon. This is what ESPN reported this Monday.
Immediate consequence: its 2024 season is over.
An operation should quickly follow, according to Cleveland.com. The player must now choose between a classic procedure and a new technique called “ speed bridge“, believed to provide faster healing, and used by Aaron Rodgers last year. In the first case, Watson would not necessarily be guaranteed to be at full strength for the start of the 2025 season.
This outcome was widely suspected when the Browns quarterback collapsed without anyone touching him Sunday night. He also came out in tears on the stretcher. In tears and under the satisfied gaze of certain Cleveland supporters, whose reaction revolted the players of the franchise.
Deshaun Watson, sports loss… or not?
If exasperated Cleveland fans sometimes did not hesitate to rejoice at Deshaun Watson's injury, it is not only for the multitude of accusations of sexual assault against him.
It's also because he is light years away from his early career level with the Houston Texans. This season, already his third in Cleveland, he has only thrown 5 touchdowns for 3 interceptions in six and a half games. With him in charge, Cleveland's offense is one of the worst in the entire league.
Even if he hasn't always been helped by his line or his receivers, and Amari Cooper has just left, Watson is largely unworthy of the $230 million guaranteed contract that Cleveland executives gave him despite the accusations .
The fact that the team reached the playoffs with Joe Flacco last year didn't help improve Watson's image.
And now ?
Who will be the Browns quarterback in the next game? It was Dorian Thompson-Robinson who took over the first Sunday evening, before being replaced by Jameis Winston. The latter seems to offer more experience, but a riskier game.
Financially, there is no good solution for the Browns. In 2025 and 2026, Watson is due to earn $46 million. Everything is guaranteed. Following several restructurings, its impact on the payroll will even be 72.9 million greenbacks for each of the two coming seasons.
If it is cut? It will account for $172.77 million in payroll in 2025! With a “post June 1” designation, the impact would be 72.9 million in 2025 and 100 million in 2026.
