Deshaun Watson’s Achilles Comeback: Will He Save the Browns, or Just Save Face?

Deshaun Watson is back at it again! No, not back on the football field (we’re not that lucky yet), but the Cleveland Browns quarterback is slowly but surely grinding his way back from a second Achilles surgery with the tenacity of someone who knows he’s running out of time to prove everyone wrong. And let’s be honest, everyone has been doubting him.

In case you missed it, Watson—whose 230-million-dollar contract with the Browns is currently under more scrutiny than a reality TV star’s dating life—has been posting videos of his recovery progress, and yes, they are just as intense as you’d expect from a guy who once led the NFL in passing yards. The videos feature him running (sort of), stretching, and even slinging the football with his personal QB coach, Quincy Avery. “Seven months and we back at it,” Watson says with the kind of grin that’s either hopeful optimism or a sign that he’s trying to convince himself more than anyone else. Either way, the “MoreGLORY” mantra is about as motivational as a 3 AM gym selfie with the caption “Rise and grind.”

But, before we get too ahead of ourselves—despite these encouraging social media snippets, Watson’s return is far from a guarantee. To put it bluntly: The Browns are in a bit of a pickle.

The $230 Million Dilemma

Imagine signing a $230 million deal, only to spend most of it on your couch, recovering from an Achilles injury. That’s exactly what Watson has been doing since October 2023, when he initially hurt himself. Fast forward to January, and bam—another surgery. The result? More time off and a growing pile of expectations from fans, analysts, and literally every single person who’s ever wondered if Cleveland can ever win big in sports.

The Browns haven’t been clear on when Watson will be back on the field. Sure, it could be next season… or, maybe, never. We’re kind of getting Johnny Manziel vibes here, but without the whole party-animal reputation. And to make things more intriguing (or possibly complicated?), the Browns are in a very delicate quarterback situation right now, with a little thing called too many quarterbacks on their roster. In fact, they’ve got a literal squad competing for that number one spot, including the likes of Joe Flacco (yes, the same Joe Flacco who won a Super Bowl and then proceeded to play 75% of his career as if he’d forgotten the rules), Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders.

Will the Browns Choose Watson or Just Keep Him as a Super Expensive Sideline Coach?

Let’s break it down. If Watson comes back healthy, it’s going to create some serious drama. Why? Because the Browns now have a full-on quarterback competition that’s basically American Idol for QBs. The team could opt to keep Watson on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list for the entire season (which, let’s face it, might be the best option). That way, they avoid the messiness of not having him on the field, and they could potentially get some insurance relief. Meanwhile, Watson would still pocket his $230 million, whether or not he ever steps onto the field again.

However, there’s a tiny issue with just keeping Watson in “PUP purgatory” forever: That contract is fully guaranteed. Translation: If the Browns want to part ways with him, they’ll face the kind of financial consequences that could make a NFL team owner think twice. We’re talking about a record-breaking dead-cap hit. Goodbye, salary cap flexibility, hello awkward locker room vibes. So yeah, releasing Watson is out of the question unless the Browns want to set a new record in financial mistakes.

But wait, there’s more! If Watson somehow gets cleared to play, then the Browns will have to figure out whether to bench their expensive QB for another season (again) or throw him back in like a prize fighter returning to the ring after a major injury. Spoiler alert: There’s no easy answer here, and Browns fans might want to bring popcorn to the press conferences.

The Road to Redemption: Can Watson Beat the Odds?

If you’ve been following Watson’s comeback saga, you know that this isn’t just about football anymore. This is about redemption—his, the Browns’, and maybe even the city of Cleveland (though that’s probably asking for too much). Watson’s Achilles recovery is being treated like a personal mission—his social media videos are almost like motivational speeches, but with slightly more football and less live-laugh-love.

“I know, I’m gonna be way better than before,” Watson boldly stated in a post back in April. That’s the kind of energy you need when you’re trying to bounce back from multiple surgeries and a severely bruised reputation. But here’s the thing: Achilles injuries are brutal. Even with two surgeries, the odds are stacked against him. It’s one of those injuries that makes NFL trainers and players alike break into a cold sweat just thinking about it. It’s not just about healing physically—mentally, Watson has to believe he’s still capable of being a top-tier QB. The last thing the Browns need is a quarterback who’s unsure of himself. The media? They’ve been doubting him for ages. But Watson’s been playing the “I’ll show them” card for a while now.

Cleveland’s Quarterback Drama Continues

With Watson sidelined, the Browns have been forced to juggle a four-man quarterback battle. The options? A mix of experience, potential, and sheer unpredictability. Joe Flacco, who’s older than some of the Browns’ fanbase, is still in the mix. Kenny Pickett, the Steelers QB who might one day be a solid starter if he can shake off his interception addiction. Dillon Gabriel, the young talent who could either surprise everyone or fade into obscurity. And Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, who’s practically a walking headline at this point.

So, where does Watson fit in? Well, as of now, he’s just another guy on the roster who can’t play, but can certainly bring the heat in the quarterback room with his veteran presence. If he’s cleared, though, the Browns will have to make one of the most difficult decisions in the NFL: Do they start the expensive quarterback they traded for, or do they stick with their “cheaper” and maybe more effective options?

Conclusion: A Rollercoaster of Expectations

Watson’s journey back to the NFL is shaping up to be one of the most bizarre and dramatic stories of the 2025 season—if he ever actually returns. From a superstar to a cautionary tale, Watson’s career has been filled with ups and downs, but this time, the stakes are higher than ever.

Will he return and finally lead the Browns to victory? Will he prove the doubters wrong? Or will the Browns have to navigate yet another quarterback disaster that only Cleveland could endure?

One thing’s for sure: When Deshaun Watson finally steps back onto the field, the entire league—and especially the Browns—will be watching. But for now, we’ll just have to sit back and watch those workout videos on repeat. After all, we all love a good underdog story.