Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns is seen on the sidelines against the New York Jets.
Deshaun Watson is still looking to regain the form that he showed during his time with the Houston Texans. Now, nearly four years after the Texans traded him to the Cleveland Browns, Watson is approaching his next potential opportunity.
He missed all of last season after re-rupturing an Achilles tendon in January. He last played Week 7 of the 2024 campaign.
Watson has been working to ensure he puts his best on display when he next takes the field.
Former Texans QB Deshaun Watson Remains Focused
GettyDeshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns looks on before a game against the Dallas Cowboys.
The Texans drafted Watson with the 12th overall pick in 2017, and he earned three Pro Bowl trips during his time with the franchise. However, he grew disenchanted with the Texans and landed in legal trouble. The latter issue resulted in an 11-game suspension.
Since then, Watson has battled injuries and ineffectiveness, going 9-10 as the Browns’ starting quarterback. Yet and still, he remains undaunted in his journey back to the field.
“Yessir, we back [at] it!” Watson posted to his Instagram story on February 11.
Watson shared several clips of himself working out, several alongside his longtime and renowned personal QB coach, Quincy Avery. Watson tagged Avery in one of the images, saying, “Locked in.” He drew attention with the clips.
The 30-year-old QB posted another batch of footage from his day of work on Thursday, following a similar pattern to the one he has used since beginning his road to recovery.
Watson still faces questions about his future with the Browns.
He is signed through the 2028 season on a five-year, $230 million contract, with an $80.7 million cap hit and $46 million in cash due this coming season. The Browns would be taking a significant hit if they cut him, and they would be very fortunate to find a trade partner.
Key Deshaun Watson Scenario Looms Large
GettyDeshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns walks across the field during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Watson has completed 61.2% of his passes for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in the three seasons he has played with the Browns. For context, Watson had a 14,539-104-36 line and a 67.8% completion mark in four seasons on the field with the Texans.
Still, Watson garnered support for his efforts as a teammate last season, has gotten his legal woes behind him.
He is still garnering support for the idea that he can return to Pro Bowl form.
“Let’s say, Deshaun Watson balls out [in training camp and the preseason], and you have to start him. Let’s say he starts 5-2. Who knows what happens? Let’s say he gets on the field and wins four games in a row. What if he gets on the field and wins nine games out of 12 that he plays?” ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Rizzo said on “The Tony Rizzo Show” on February 12.
“In other words, no one’s considering the scenario where he’s good. What if he’s good? You’re going to let him walk? You’re going to let him walk out the door, and we’re still paying him?”
Watson’s contract expires in 2028, but it will be on the Browns’ books through 2029.
That is due to void years on the contract. Still, there is no guaranteed money on the deal after 2026. Next season is a critical one for Watson, making getting on the field–and performing well–all the more imperative for the former Texans star.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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