London, December 08, 2025
Deshaun Watson is set to return to the Cleveland Browns in the 2026 NFL season after missing all of 2025 due to a re-torn Achilles tendon; the move is driven by contractual guarantees, injury recovery timelines, and strategic financial considerations including insurance payout and cap management.
Injury History and Current Status
Watson has not played since suffering his second Achilles rupture on October 20, 2024, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Although he resumed practicing late in 2025, he remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and will not be fielded in the 2025 season.
Contractual and Financial Factors
Watson’s decision to remain with the Browns through 2026 stems largely from his contract structure. The quarterback’s deal includes a fully guaranteed salary of $46 million for the 2026 season, making release before then financially impractical because of the significant dead cap charges that would accrue. Additionally, the Browns possess a comprehensive insurance policy covering approximately $44.27 million of Watson’s 2025 salary. Maintaining him on the roster throughout the 2025 season preserves this coverage, offsetting the financial impact of his absence.
The Browns also plan to reorganize Watson’s 2026 contract to mitigate an $80.72 million cap hit. By restructuring, they intend to spread dead money over multiple future years, easing short-term salary cap pressures.
Outlook for the 2026 Season
Entering age 31, Watson’s return will not guarantee a starting role, but he is expected to compete for playing time. His primary motivation will be to demonstrate his capacity to perform at a high level after consecutive Achilles injuries, aiming to secure a new contract in free agency for the 2027 season. The 2026 campaign is widely viewed as a “prove-it” year, with the Browns poised to reassess their long-term quarterback strategy thereafter.
Context of the Browns’ Investment
The acquisition of Watson in 2022 is often cited as one of the most detrimental contracts in the salary-cap era due to its financial magnitude and lack of anticipated on-field success. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has publicly described the move as “a big swing and a miss,” underscoring the franchise’s regret. The forthcoming season will serve as a critical inflection point in evaluating Watson’s ability to redeem some of the lost value from this marquee deal.
Watson’s situation illustrates the complex interplay between player health, contract guarantees, insurance provisions, and salary cap strategy that NFL franchises must navigate. The Browns’ decision to retain him through 2026 reflects a prudent financial stance amidst uncertain athletic outcomes.