The Cleveland Browns took a significant step toward bringing quarterback Deshaun Watson back on Wednesday.
The Browns announced Watson has been designated to return from the physically unable to perform list, where he has been all year long as he continues to recover from a torn Achilles suffered in 2024.
While it remains unclear what the Browns plan on doing with Watson the rest of the season, CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reports that it's unlikely Watson will actually play.
Jones also adds that it's likely Watson will remain on the roster in 2026 because of the massive dead-cap hit Cleveland would eat by releasing him.
"But, as sources tell CBS Sports, it is only a chance (Watson plays)," Jones reported. "Maybe even the slimmest of chances."
"Sources deem it unlikely Watson ultimately sees game action this season in what is the penultimate year of his record-setting contract," Jones explained. "And unless the Browns wish to take on a heavy dead cap hit of more than $80 million in 2026, it is quite possible, if not likely, Cleveland has him on the roster in 2026."
It would make no sense for the Browns to have Watson play in 2025. After all, the book is already written on him and Cleveland needs to continue to evaluate its young quarterbacks the rest of the way.
Another avenue the Browns could explore in 2026 is trading Watson, but there is zero chance a team would take on everything that comes with him. Cleveland would also incur a massive dead-cap charge if it deals Watson to another team.
So, no, the Watson nightmare in Cleveland isn't going to end in 2026, and it will extend beyond that, as Watson, who will be a free agent in 2027, has void years remaining on his contract that will cost significant sums of money through 2029.
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