It looks like 2026 is the more likely year for Watson to be cut. The Browns would absorb $73 million in dead money but would avoid losing cap space. Regardless, though, it’s going to cost the Browns when they finally do dump Watson.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson had surgery after rupturing his Achilles tendon for the second time in three months, a setback that could sideline him for the entire 2025 season.

Deshaun Watson will definitely be returning to the Cleveland Browns in 2025, but there's now a chance that he won't be able to play a single down next season after suffering a devastating setback while rehabbing from a torn Achilles that he suffered in October.