5 months ago

The Browns’ Deshaun Watson era is over. Why Dorian Thompson-Robinson should be QB for now

CLEVELAND — We know the final chapter now of the Deshaun Watson saga in Cleveland. Browns HC Kevin Stefanski told reporters that the team believes Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, with more tests ahead to confirm. “Kind of gave me flashbacks of being back at the Ravens game last year and that feeling I don’t want, feeling that has a bad taste in my mouth,” Thompson-Robinson said Sunday. GO DEEPER Garrett, Winston scold Browns fans who cheered after Watson's injury There’s no easy way out of this. Whatever the Browns do with Watson’s contract after the season is bound to be painful and include extraordinary, historical dead cap hits for the next couple of years.

Game Injury Season Quarterback Ravens Browns Cleveland Watson Winston Deshaun Backup Deshaun Watson thompsonrobinson deshaun season watson browns backup game dorian winston qb quarterback injury week era

History of this topic

2 weeks, 5 days ago

Browns restructure Deshaun Watson’s contract, create roughly $36M in cap space: Source

New York Times

The Cleveland Browns have again restructured the contract of injured quarterback Deshaun Watson, creating around $36 million in salary-cap space for 2025, a team source confirmed. After this restructure and ahead of the potential 2026 cap relief through insurance the Browns had on the contract, the team will still have around $136 million in cap commitments to Watson after the …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson reinjures Achilles, has surgery and will miss ‘significant’ time in 2025

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson’s already unstable future with the Browns is even shakier. Watson may miss the entire 2025 season after Cleveland’s polarizing quarterback ruptured his Achilles tendon for the second time in three months and underwent another operation that could put his career in jeopardy. The setback could end Watson’s unsteady stay with the Browns, who believed they had …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns’ Deshaun Watson retears Achilles and has second surgery, putting 2025 in question

New York Times

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson retore his Achilles tendon and underwent another surgery to repair it, the team announced Friday, casting further uncertainty over whether he will play in 2025. “Watson’s recovery time and return to play status is uncertain, and he will likely miss significant time during the 2025 season,” the Browns said. Watson is currently slated to count …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has medical setback, clouds future with team

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson’s future as Cleveland’s quarterback is more uncertain. Browns general manager Andrew Berry said Monday that Watson suffered a setback in his recovery from an Achilles tendon rupture, and the team doesn’t know if or when he’ll be available in 2025. Berry said the Browns learned about Watson’s new medical situation during player exit meetings on …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns’ Deshaun Watson suffers ‘setback’ in Achilles recovery, ‘too early to tell’ if QB will play in 2025

New York Times

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson had a setback during his recovery from his Achilles injury, putting his availability for next season in question, general manager Andrew Berry said Monday. Berry said it’s “too early to tell” if Watson can play in 2025 after Watson told doctors during the quarterback’s end-of-the-season physical that “something didn’t feel right” in his repaired ankle. …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns restructure Deshaun Watson’s contract, per source: What it means for QB, Cleveland

New York Times

By Dianna Russini, Zac Jackson and Jelani Scott The Cleveland Browns and Deshaun Watson have agreed to a restructured contract, a team source said Friday, an indication that the quarterback is set to return in 2025 after a failed 2024 season. But the restructure creates some flexibility by allowing Cleveland to spread dead money over multiple years if Watson remains …

3 months ago

What does switch to Dorian Thompson-Robinson mean for Browns’ future at QB?

New York Times

Here are some Cleveland Browns thoughts on the week’s news, what really matters at the end of a 3-11 season and more. • The Browns are playing for next year, which, combined with Jameis Winston’s three-game streak of throwing multiple interceptions, made Kevin Stefanski’s quarterback decision fairly easy. GO DEEPER It's clear a Browns blowup is necessary after listless loss …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

NFL ends investigation into sexual assault allegations against Browns QB Deshaun Watson

The Independent

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The NFL has closed an …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

NFL ends investigation into sexual assault allegations against Browns QB Deshaun Watson

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The NFL has closed an investigation into sexual assault allegations against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is ending the season on injured reserve for the second year in a row. The Browns still owe Watson $46 million in each of the next two seasons after they traded three first-round picks to Houston and signed him to a …

4 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns' Decision on Watson: Eye-Opening Test for the Offense

Associated Press

Browns' decision on Watson is difficult due to circumstances but obvious to the eye test. The blockbuster trade for Watson in 2022 is among the worst in NFL history. Giving him an unprecedented, fully guaranteed $230 million, five-year contract was even worse. With Watson, the Browns are 9-10. Without him, coach Kevin Stefanski is 30-26 overall and twice has been …

4 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns' Winston Stepping Up, Lifting Spirits in Emotional Comeback Against Ravens

Associated Press

QB Jameis Winston's impressive debut gives the Cleveland Browns hope for a turnaround season. Winston threw three touchdown passes and for 334 yards, showcasing his potential to lead the team to success. His performance has fans believing that he can be the answer to Cleveland's QB woes. Despite some missed opportunities, Winston's presence brings light and excitement to a team …

Ravens vs. Browns: Jackson's Domination, Watson's Absence Highlight Battle in AFC North

Associated Press

The Ravens and Browns meet again in a clash of contrasting styles. Lamar Jackson shines for the Ravens, while Deshaun Watson's absence creates a significant challenge for the Browns. The game will be a test of offense against defense, with both teams vying for the division title. Jackson's dual-threat ability and Henry's explosive running will be a major factor in …

5 months ago

Browns to start QB Jameis Winston vs. Ravens after Deshaun Watson injury

New York Times

By Dianna Russini, Zac Jackson and Alex Andrejev The Cleveland Browns will start quarterback Jameis Winston for Sunday’s matchup against the AFC North-leading Baltimore Ravens, coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Wednesday Cleveland is 1-6 and dropped its last five straight games, including a 21-14 loss Sunday to the Cincinnati Bengals. The team suffered multiple quarterback injuries in that contest — starter …

5 months ago

Browns Sign Bailey Zappe to Replace Deshaun Watson on Practice Squad

Associated Press

The Cleveland Browns are signing QB Bailey Zappe from Kansas City's practice squad to provide some protection behind their starting quarterback, Deshaun Watson. Zappe has started eight games for the Chiefs over the past two seasons and gives the Browns some much-needed stability at the quarterback position.

5 months ago

MRI confirms Deshaun Watson suffered season-ending Achilles rupture in Browns loss

New York Times

By Zac Jackson, Larry Holder and RJ Kraft An MRI confirmed Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture in the team’s Week 7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, the team announced Monday. Coach Kevin Stefanski and members of the team’s medical staff were out to see Watson almost immediately and the entire Browns team surrounded Watson …

5 months ago

Deshaun Watson injury is latest (final?) chapter in an awful story

New York Times

It’s interesting how quickly life comes at you. My plan entering Sunday’s NFL games was to address Deshaun Watson’s explanation for why he and the Cleveland Browns offense have been so awful this season. However, it’s hard to not believe cosmic forces have been working to balance the scales of justice after Cleveland signed Watson to a ground-breaking, guaranteed $230 …

5 months ago

Myles Garrett, Jameis Winston scold Browns fans who cheered after Deshaun Watson’s injury

New York Times

As Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson lay on the ground of Huntington Bank Field after suffering an Achilles injury on a non-contact play against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, sarcastic cheers rang from the home fans in the stands. After the game, Browns players and coaches voiced their displeasure with the reaction, saying the fans “should be ashamed.” “We don’t …

5 months ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson believed to have torn Achilles: Source

New York Times

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is believed to have suffered a torn Achilles tendon, according to a league source. https://t.co/2aNRLDYo1c — Jeff Howe October 20, 2024 Following the Browns’ 21-14 loss to the Bengals, coach Kevin Stefanski said regarding Watson’s injury being season ending: “Let’s get the tests first, but that’s what it looks like.” Watson was carted off the …

5 months ago

What’s Browns’ plan at QB after Deshaun Watson injury? Answers murky for present and future

New York Times

CLEVELAND — The afternoon began with a strategic placement of Cleveland Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson 10th on the team’s pregame introduction list. GO DEEPER Garrett, Winston scold Browns fans who cheered after Watson's injury Winston had to report to the lead referee as part of the NFL’s protocol for an emergency quarterback to be allowed to participate. DTR off …

5 months, 1 week ago

Deshaun Watson and a Browns escape plan (once they finally admit it’s over): Sando’s Pick Six

New York Times

Before we sort through end-of-season Deshaun Watson exit strategies for the Cleveland Browns, let’s make one thing clear: Watson remains the starting quarterback. Watson’s EPA per pass play ranks 590th out of 592 quarterbacks who started the first six games of a season since 2000, per TruMedia. GO DEEPER Chargers' Jim Harbaugh returns to sideline vs. Broncos after early exit …

5 months, 1 week ago

Browns’ Kevin Stefanski sticking with Deshaun Watson at QB: ‘Gives us the best chance to win’

New York Times

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski reiterated Monday that Deshaun Watson remains his starting quarterback despite Cleveland’s 1-5 start to the season with an offense that has struggled to find its footing. “I think Deshaun gives us the best chance to win and continues to give us the best chance to win.” Stefanski faced a looming question within Monday’s news conference about …

5 months, 2 weeks ago

Deshaun Watson under siege as QB’s dismal play leads to criticism, calls for benching

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson is taking hits from all sides, and not just on the field. “At this position, no one’s perfect,” Watson said of the criticism. “No one’s going to always make the right read, so you can nick and pick one play here and there, but I think it’s the body of work of the whole game.” …

5 months, 2 weeks ago

NFL QB stock report, Week 6: Deshaun Watson ranks among NFL’s worst, but can Browns bench him?

New York Times

Read The Athletic’s latest NFL QB stock report. It’s been 11 months since Watson has eclipsed 200 passing yards in a game. GO DEEPER What we learned in NFL Week 5: Bengals can't finish, Browns done in by QB they can't bench To take it a step further, Watson has produced one game with at least 250 passing yards and …

5 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns search for answers and mull changes as season sinks lower after pitiful performance

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson paused several times while searching for answers that were as elusive as a third-down completion. Following the latest embarrassment, a 34-13 loss Sunday at Washington, Cleveland’s beleaguered and battered quarterback, who has yet to throw for 200 yards in a game this season while being sacked a league-leading 26 times behind an offensive line held together …

5 months, 2 weeks ago

Deshaun Watson appears to defiantly walk off in the middle of Cleveland Browns game, leaving head coach Kevin Stefanski fuming

Daily Mail

Deshaun Watson left Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski stunned when he appeared to defiantly walk off the field during Sunday's loss to Washington Commanders. pic.twitter.com/czT0PJNW6D — Chad Ryan October 6, 2024 Deshaun Watson defiantly walked off the field on a fourth-down play during Sunday's game The quarterback stunned head coach Kevin Stefanski, who wanted to go for it on …

5 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns need a QB change to salvage what’s left of their season

New York Times

— It’s the first week of October and the Browns’ season has ended before the Guardians season. It feels like it’s already over, long before the leaves change, before the bye week, before a pumpkin is carved, before the NBA season begins and before the Guardians’ baseball fate has been determined. Rookie Zak Zinter might eventually be a very good …

5 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns’ nightmare season takes another hit following blowout loss to Commanders

New York Times

— It was fair to wonder if the Cleveland Browns might have to rely on their defense early in the season. GO DEEPER Browns need a QB change to salvage what's left of their season Sunday, the Washington Commanders sacked Watson seven times en route to a 34-13 victory. The Browns would have punted on seven straight drives in the …

5 months, 3 weeks ago

Deshaun Watson says he deserves blame after Browns drop to 1-3

Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — For the second straight week, the Cleveland Browns had multiple opportunities in the fourth quarter to rally for a win, but fell short. Quarterback Deshaun Watson said to put the blame on him after Cleveland blew an early 10-0 lead and lost 20-16 to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. “If I’m gonna be the quarterback of …

6 months ago

4 most impactful injuries so far, plus would the Browns bench Watson?

New York Times

Scoop City is The Athletic’s daily NFL newsletter. Live from Charlotte, North Carolina, where the 1-2 Panthers say they aren’t considering trading Bryce Young: Rather than simply watch as the Panthers go down with Young’s stock, The Athletic’s writers explored three trade scenarios, finding he could theoretically fetch a fourth-rounder, significantly better than what the Jets got for Zach Wilson …

6 months ago

Cleveland Browns fans call for Deshaun Watson to be benched amid sexual assault allegations

Daily Mail

Cleveland Browns fans are calling for Deshaun Watson to get benched as the quarterback deals with sexual assault allegations. 'Every week for the past 3 years Deshaun Watson has looked like the worst QB in the NFL and there are still people that claim he's just a little rusty,' one fan wrote. Fans are calling for Deshaun Watson to get …

6 months ago

After improving on the road, Deshaun Watson and the Browns return home to face winless Giants

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson walked off the field following a dreadful home opener two weeks ago with a towel covering his head, looking as if he was trying to hide. A much better performance last week in a 18-13 win at Jacksonville boosted Watson’s confidence as the Browns prepare to host the New York Giants on Sunday. “All of us.” …

6 months, 1 week ago

Browns need Deshaun Watson exit strategy fast. And why on earth are they playing him?

New York Times

CLEVELAND — The number of women who have accused Deshaun Watson in court filings of sexual misconduct is now up to 27. Despite the woman’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, writing in a statement that Watson’s defense team has known about this case for the last 10 months, Watson said Wednesday he didn’t know about it until it was reported in the …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Deshaun Watson to play vs. Jaguars after being accused of sexual assault in new lawsuit

New York Times

Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday that quarterback Deshaun Watson will play in Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Stefanski’s announcement comes two days after a woman filed a lawsuit against Watson accusing him of sexual assault and battery. “We intend to pursue this case with the same aggressiveness with which we pursued the others.” According to the lawsuit, …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

NFL investigating lawsuit filed against Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, accused of sexual assault

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson is again under a spotlight away from the field. The NFL said Tuesday it is investigating the latest civil lawsuit filed against the Cleveland Browns quarterback for an alleged sexual assault that took place in 2020 while he played for Houston. It’s not known if Watson disclosed the newest allegation to the league — or the …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson accused of sexual assault by Texas woman in 2020 incident

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson has been accused of sexual assault in a new civil lawsuit brought by a woman who alleges the Cleveland Browns quarterback forced himself on her four years ago when he played with Houston. It’s the latest legal entanglement for Watson, who settled 23 of 24 lawsuits against him in 2022 after two dozen women accused him …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Deshaun Watson’s shaky performance in opener heightens concerns whether QB can deliver for Browns

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson didn’t flinch last week when asked if he still considers himself one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. Watson didn’t even look average — never mind elite — on Sunday w ith a ragged performance in the season opener that has only heightened the belief that the Browns made a colossal mistake in signing him to a …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Deshaun Watson has rough return in first game since surgery as Browns thumped 33-17 by Cowboys

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Lying face down in the grass, Deshaun Watson couldn’t see another of his passes sail out of bounds. Watson didn’t look comfortable from the start in his first game since breaking a bone in his right shoulder in November as the Cleveland Browns were blasted 33-17 in their season opener by the Dallas Cowboys. Watson spent much of …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Cleveland Browns season predictions: Garrett’s DPOY repeat, Watson expectations

New York Times

My annual Browns prediction column is usually fun, generating a lot of conversation — and some angst, too. The Browns rarely had their full first-team on the field during training camp, but Jeudy’s speed was obvious when he was out there — as was Watson’s interest in getting him the ball. On the call I think new Browns radio play-by-play …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

QB Deshaun Watson makes return from shoulder injury as Browns open season at home against Cowboys

Associated Press

Dallas at Cleveland Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EDT, Fox. The NFL’s reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year is hoping to build off his most dominant season as a pro — if possible — and get the Browns to their first Super Bowl. … WR Brandin Cooks has been limited by a knee injury in the preseason but figures to play.. …

6 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns need the best version of Deshaun Watson if they want to reach their ceiling

New York Times

The Cleveland Browns chose to unveil their new stadium naming rights deal on Tuesday. But it’s fair to think if the Browns remain mostly healthy and get strong play from Watson, they can probably reach their high ceiling. No matter how many times the Browns restructure the cap numbers on Watson’s contract, every dollar remains fully guaranteed. Soon, we’ll see …

6 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns restructure QB Deshaun Watson’s contract, release Tyler Huntley

New York Times

The Cleveland Browns have restructured the contract of quarterback Deshaun Watson, a team source confirmed, creating about $35 million in 2024 salary-cap space and increasing future cap commitments on the five-year deal he signed in 2022. GO DEEPER NFL QB Tiers 2024: Only 2 join Mahomes in Tier 1; Rodgers, Herbert drop out The Browns under general manager Andrew Berry …

6 months, 3 weeks ago

Browns counting on Deshaun Watson’s return from shoulder surgery to build on playoff berth in 2023

Associated Press

CLEVELAND BROWNS EXPECTATIONS: Riding the NFL’s top-ranked defense, the Browns made the playoffs last season despite a rash of injuries at quarterback only to get blown out by Houston 45-14 in the wild-card round. Their chances to go further could hinge on QB Deshaun Watson’s health after he was limited to just six starts before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. NEW …

7 months ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson sits out preseason finale after dealing with sore arm earlier in week

Associated Press

Deshaun Watson’s return to the field won’t happen until the games count. The Cleveland quarterback was held out of the Browns’ preseason finale Saturday night at Seattle. Coach Kevin Stefanski had planned to play Watson in the preseason finale but instead decided to take a cautious approach with the franchise QB. “I’ve seen a lot from him and really that …

7 months ago

Browns enter make-or-break 3rd season with QB Deshaun Watson following suspension, shoulder injury

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson was supposed to be the one, the missing piece to return Cleveland’s forlorn franchise to fame. On the eve of a make-or-break third season in Cleveland, there are lingering questions and even some doubts about whether Watson, who has only played 12 games in the past four years due to an NFL suspension in 2022 and …

7 months, 1 week ago

Deshaun Watson will play in Browns’ preseason finale at Seattle. QB on track to start season opener

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson’s next start has been penciled in. Cleveland’s quarterback, who hasn’t played in a game since breaking his shoulder in November at Baltimore, is scheduled to play in the Browns’ preseason finale on Aug. 24 in Seattle. Watson did not play in the Browns’ exhibition opener against Green Bay last weekend and will be held out of …

7 months, 1 week ago

Browns QB Deshaun Watson cleared for contact, but will sit out 2nd straight preseason game

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson has been cleared for contact to his surgically repaired shoulder, but he’ll sit out his second straight preseason game when Cleveland hosts Minnesota this week. Watson spent Saturday night’s preseason opener against Green Bay on the sideline as the Browns were beaten 23-10 by the Packers. However, on a Zoom call Sunday, coach …

7 months, 2 weeks ago

Browns’ Deshaun Watson sitting out preseason opener as he continues recovery from shoulder surgery

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson might be ready to play. Watson will sit out Cleveland’s exhibition opener on Saturday against the Green Bay Packers as the team continues to take a cautious approach after the quarterback underwent right shoulder surgery in November. Earlier in camp, Watson said he’s feeling healthy and is aiming this season to “block out noise.” The Browns …

7 months, 3 weeks ago

Quarterback QB Deshaun Watson aiming to block out ‘noise’ after 2 turbulent seasons for Browns

Associated Press

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — Deshaun Watson has shifted into self-protection mode. Cleveland’s contentious quarterback, who has played just 12 games the past two seasons due to an NFL suspension followed by a shoulder fracture that required major surgery, said Friday that he’s worked on a new approach as he enters a critical Year 3 with the Browns. So, sometimes …

10 months ago

Browns QB Watson ‘looks like himself,’ rotating days throwing as he recovers from shoulder surgery

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson handled all his quarterbacking duties flawlessly on Wednesday except for the most important one. While following a prescribed recovery plan, Cleveland’s quarterback took a day off from passing as he recovers from right shoulder surgery in November that ended his second season with the Browns after just six starts. He’s making great progress and we …

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1 week, 3 days ago

After finishing last season with Patrick Mahomes, DeAndre Hopkins gets to play with Lamar Jackson

Associated Press

— DeAndre Hopkins moved from one two-time MVP quarterback to another. “And the Ravens were the first team on my list.” After reaching the Super Bowl last season with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, Hopkins will now play with Lamar Jackson and Baltimore after reaching a one-year deal with the Ravens. “They’re exciting to watch, but I don’t know much …

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2 weeks, 4 days ago

Browns restructure Watson’s contract to get under the salary cap, AP source says

Associated Press

Deshaun Watson’s contract has been reworked again by the Cleveland Browns as the team looks to clear salary cap space with the new league year less than one week away. A person with knowledge of the move told The Associated Press on Thursday that the latest restructuring of the quarterback’s contract will clear nearly $36 million in cap space for …

Contract Nfl Browns Watson

3 weeks, 5 days ago