While the 1-5Cleveland Browns have had their fair share of quarterback news already this season, do not expect Deshaun Watson to be in the headlines anytime soon for any reason regarding his ability to play in 2025.
Currently starting Dillon Gabriel with Shedeur Sanders operating as the backup quarterback, many think this could open the window for Watson to return to the team as the third quarterback on the active roster after offseason achilles surgery and rehab. However, ESPN and NFL insider Adam Schefter has cast serious doubt on that notion.
Here is what Schefter had to say today:
“He’s a good month away from being cleared for any football activity. There has not been a conversation about whether he’ll play again….”
Mike Tomlin wasn’t happy with Andrew Berry trading Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals..
Tomlin has MASSIVE respect for Joe Flacco#PMSLivepic.twitter.com/mCFNkiW2i9
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 13, 2025
This was a blip in the conversation between Schefter and Pat McAfee, largely about Andrew Berry and Joe Flacco. However, the few words he said about Watson carry a ton of implications not only for the Browns but for Watson as well. Teams have nine weeks to open up the practice window for a player on the Physically Unable to Return list. The team then must add that player to their active roster within 21 days of opening that window.
It’s already Week 7, so you do the math there.
The Browns can recoup the cap losses charged to Watson in 2025 back onto their 2026 cap. This would be a massive salary move for the team next season.
It’s safe to assume Watson will never play another game for the Browns.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns QB Deshaun Watson still ‘a month away’ from football activity
