Browns' Deshaun Watson May Need Additional Surgery After Setback on Achilles Injury

The Cleveland Browns could be without quarterback Deshaun Watson for longer than originally anticipated.

Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Browns general manager Andrew Berry announced on Monday that Watson suffered a setback in his recovery from Achilles surgery. While Berry said it's not yet clear how this will impact Watson's recovery timeline, he also didn't rule out the possibility of additional surgery for the signal-caller.

Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported that Watson "alerted the medical staff during his exit physical on Sunday that something didn't feel right." Berry was unable to answer whether the 29-year-old would be ready to play at all during the 2025 season.

When asked how Watson's setback impacts the Browns' quarterback plans, Berry said, "I wouldn't say it has a significant impact" before adding, "The reality is that the room will look different next year." The team will have the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL draft, giving it the chance to add a quarterback of the future as Watson's successor.

Watson suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in Cleveland's Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals and underwent surgery on Oct. 25. The Browns went 1-6 in games he started before finishing the year with a 3-14 record. In his brief time on the field, he threw for 1,148 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions while adding a rushing touchdown and tying his career high with three lost fumbles.

Watson has two years remaining on his fully guaranteed $230 million contract and will be making $46 million per year, but Cleveland recently restructured his deal to add another void year in 2029 and spread out the salary-cap hit.