The Cleveland Browns have been cautioned about looking for a way out of Deshaun Watson's contract after he suffered a second Achilles injury.

For three years, the Browns contorted themselves to match Watson's strengths and desires. The reality is he never fit in.

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.

The Browns have $44.3 million of Watson’s $46 million base salary covered by insurance. Yes, this means that the Browns will see $44.3 million put back into their cap space. However, this policy would not be cashed out until after the 2025 season, so the Browns would see that total recouped in their 2026 cap space.

Deshaun Watson may never play for the Cleveland Browns again, making his contract with the team one of the worst in sports history.

Watson has dealt with injury after injury, all while being utterly ineffective on the field. He has gone 9-10 as the Browns' QB, with a passer rating of 80.7. His 2024 season ended with a torn Achilles tendon. He tore the tendon again this month and had a second surgery to repair it.

Deshaun Watson’s net worth in 2025 is $60 million. Watson is the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. He will be gearing up for his first full season with the Browns after sitting through an 11-game suspension to start his first season and then struggling with injuries his second.

The Cleveland Browns took a major step back in 2024 after making the playoffs last season. They went 3-14 and have a lot of questions entering the offseason, particularly at quarterback. Deshaun Watson ruptured his Achilles during the regular season and was on track to be ready for the 2025