The Cleveland Browns enter the 2025 season facing one of the NFL’s most uncertain quarterback situations. Following Deshaun Watson’s Achilles rupture in Week 7 of last season, the franchise has scrambled to stabilize the position – and the results have led to an unusually crowded quarterback room.
This offseason, the Browns pulled out all the stops: they traded for former Steelers QB Kenny Pickett, re-signed veteran Joe Flacco, and drafted Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. The moves reflect Cleveland’s urgency – and its dwindling confidence in Watson’s return to form.
Watson, expected to be the face of the franchise, is once again battling his way back from injury. But his recovery has taken an unfortunate turn. On Monday, general manager Andrew Berry confirmed that Watson suffered a setback in his rehab process.
“We did learn that he had a setback in his Achilles recovery,” Berry said. “We don’t have all the details yet, but it will obviously extend the timeline.”
The news deepens the uncertainty around Watson’s status for 2025. Dr. Deepak Chona of SportsMedAnalytics noted on Twitter that if Watson attempts an early return, he could face “major limitations in push-off strength and mobility” – two critical components of his game. For a quarterback known for his movement and arm torque, that’s troubling.
Stefanski shifts focus to development
As Watson’s timetable becomes murkier, head coach Kevin Stefanski is managing expectations. He’s urging patience with rookies Sanders and Gabriel while reinforcing the team’s developmental approach.
“It takes time,” Stefanski said. “I like the attitude of these rookies. They know there’s work to be put in.”
That patience may need to translate into action if the Browns move on from Watson as the centerpiece of their offense.
Watson’s tenure in Cleveland has been turbulent from the start. After missing 2021 and part of 2022 due to suspension, he played only six games in each of the next two seasons. In 2022, he completed 58.2% of his passes with seven touchdowns and five interceptions. In 2023, his numbers were nearly identical, albeit with slight improvement.
In 2024, before the Achilles tear, Watson showed flashes – completing 63.4% of his throws for 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions in seven games. But the consistency that once made him an All-Pro has yet to fully return.
The Browns are facing more than just a depth chart dilemma. Their salary cap is stretched, and Watson’s fully guaranteed $230 million contract continues to weigh down the organization. Though Stefanski has publicly stood by his quarterback – even calling him the team’s “best chance to win” – the team’s offseason moves paint a different picture.
With Pickett offering youth and starting experience, Flacco bringing veteran poise, and rookies like Sanders turning heads, Cleveland’s quarterback competition could become one of the most hotly contested in the league.
Despite the setback, Watson remains focused and grounded in his rehab approach. He recently described the recovery process as an opportunity to reset his fundamentals.
“We’re starting from ground zero,” Watson said. “It’s the little details – accuracy, power, rotation. Obviously, I don’t want to be hurt, but I’m using this moment to work on things I wouldn’t normally focus on.”
Watson remains committed – but the path back to being Cleveland’s franchise quarterback is steep.
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