Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson tore an Achilles again and needed another surgery to repair it, according to a new report.
Watson originally tore an Achilles on Oct. 20.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry said during a news conference this week that the quarterback had a setback and tests showed the new tear, according to the NFL Network.
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Cleveland Browns’ Deshaun Watson walks off the field after a game against the Dallas Cowboys in Cleveland on Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
The surgery leaves Watson’s status for the 2025 season in doubt.
Without Watson, the Browns could turn to the NFL Draft or free agency to replace him.
The team has the overall no. 2 pick in the draft and will have the option to select top quarterback prospects Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward if the Tennessee Titans do not take one of them with the No. 1-choice.
Trading Watson a few years ago has hampered the Browns, who gave up a lot of draft capital and signed him to an exorbitant deal.
The Browns gave up first-round picks in 2022, 2023 and 2024, in addition to other picks, to acquire him from the Houston Texans.
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson during practice at the team’s practice complex on Nov. 30, 2022, in Berea, Ohio. (AP Photo/David Richard)
In addition to the capital the Browns gave the Texans to acquire him, they signed Watson to a five-year, $230 million contract that is fully guaranteed.
With Watson’s play and problems off the field, the contract has quickly become a nuisance.
In his three seasons with the team, Watson has played in 19 games.
Watson was suspended for 11 games two seasons ago after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior during scheduled massage sessions.
Before getting injured this season, Watson struggled on the field.
New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns, right, forces Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) to fumble the ball during the first half on Sept. 22, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
The former Clemson quarterback completed 63.4% of his passes for 1,148 yards while throwing five touchdowns and three interceptions in seven starts. The Browns were 1-6 in his starts this season.
To make matters worse for the Browns, Baker Mayfield, who they traded for Watson, is flourishing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With Mayfield, the Bucs have won back-to-back NFC South titles.
Depending on how things pan out with Watson’s injury and who the Browns sign at quarterback this offseason, there’s a chance Watson has played his last snap with the Browns.
