Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s availability for the 2025 season is in jeopardy after additional tests revealed that he ruptured his Achilles again.
Watson met with Dr. Robert Anderson before undergoing the surgery on Thursday. Watson initially tore his right Achilles tendon on Oct. 20.
“(On Thursday), Deshaun Watson underwent a second surgery to repair his right Achilles tendon rupture. Watson initially tore the tendon during the Browns’ Week 7 game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Oct. 20. His first surgery was performed on Oct. 25,” the Browns wrote in a statement. “Earlier this week, when Watson reported to CrossCountry Mortgage Campus for his exit physical as part of the Browns’ season-ending process, he complained of discomfort after rolling his ankle in Miami. MRI results demonstrated a re-rupture to his Achilles tendon.
“… Watson’s recovery time and return to play status is uncertain, and he will likely miss significant time during the 2025 season.”
The Browns reworked Watson’s contract last month to soften the salary cap hit for 2025 and have said they plan to address their quarterback position.
Cleveland holds the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Injuries have been a constant of Watson’s tenure in Cleveland since he signed a $230 million fully guaranteed contract.
Watson, 29, played seven games in 2024 and ended the season on injured reserve because of surgery for the second consecutive season. Watson played 12 total games in his first two seasons with the Browns (2022-23).
Cleveland started Bailey Zappe in the Week 18 loss at Baltimore and fired offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey after one season. Head coach Kevin Stefanski was noncommittal about his QB plans for 2024 and general manager Andrew Berry again on Monday said the Browns were planning to pursue other quarterbacks before they learned of the latest Watson news.
Jameis Winston, who started seven games after Watson’s initial injury, will be a free agent and Zappe will be a restricted free agent.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a fifth-round pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, is the only other quarterback under contract for next season.
Thompson-Robinson, 25, has appeared in 15 games over two seasons, completing 52.6 percent of his passes for 880 yards with one touchdown and 10 interceptions.
A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Watson has thrown for 17,904 yards with 123 touchdowns and 48 interceptions in 73 career games (72 starts) with the Houston Texans (2017-20) and Browns.