Deshaun Watson Embraces Alternative Role with Cleveland Browns Amidst Joe Flacco’s Skepticism

Deshaun Watson is mentoring the Browns rookies as he recovers from a torn Achilles.

Deshaun Watson Embraces Alternative Role with Cleveland Browns Amidst Joe Flacco’s Skepticism

Deshaun Watson (Image via IMAGO)

Deshaun Watson stepped up after Joe Flacco declined to mentor the Browns’ rookies, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Watson is currently in rehab after tearing his Achilles in January.

The quarterback situation in Cleveland is very tricky. After the doctors confirmed Watson’s recovery might take more time than initially anticipated, general manager Andrew Berry re-signed former quarterback Joe Flacco as the veteran head and traded for Super Bowl champion Kenny Pickett from the Philadelphia Eagles.

It was only the beginning of Berry’s plans. After securing potentially the starting candidates, Berry turned his attention to the draft. He selected Oregon’s Gabriel and Colorado’s Sanders in back-to-back rounds.

Flacco’s familiarity with head coach Kevin Stefanski’s offense meant that he was the perfect fit to mentor the new guys on the roster. Unfortunately, the former Ravens, Jets, and Colts star revealed that he did not return to the Browns to look after the kids.

Deshaun Watson, meanwhile, trained with private instructors to stay in shape. He reportedly also has embraced a different role, according to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot.

Watson has been an awesome teammate inside the quarterback room and meeting rooms and has been a great cheerleader for the four quarterbacks vying for the starting job. He’s been especially helpful to the rookies in Gabriel and Sanders, who are working overtime to remain in the starting mix.

Cabot reported

Watson only has one year left on his five-year, $230 million guaranteed contract. Owner Jimmy Haslam spent all that money, hoping to drag the Browns out of the quarterback hellhole.

However, the once explosive Watson, who recorded consecutive winning seasons in Houston, was nowhere to be found. The disappointment led Haslam to confess that they had made a big mistake by trading for Watson.

Can Deshaun Watson return early?

Recovering from an Achilles tear typically takes about 11 months, although the healing time can vary from person to person. For instance, Aaron Rodgers, at 40 years old, completed his rehabilitation in less than 10 months. Could Deshaun Watson also follow a similar path and return sooner than expected? According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the 29-year-old could potentially make a comeback in 2025.

Deshaun Watson Embraces Alternative Role with Cleveland Browns Amidst Joe Flacco's Skepticism
Deshaun Watson (Image via IMAGO)

While speaking on The Afternoon Drive on 92.3 The Fan, Breer said,

I don’t think it’s impossible at all. I think it’s definitely on the table, and I think he could play this year. You look at the timelines for Achilles; they do vary a bunch, but based on when he had his second year [December 2024], the idea that he can come back in nine months… I think there’s a possibility that he [Deshaun Watson] comes back and he’s cleared in time to play a good chunk of the 2025 season.

Cabot, in her article, mentioned that Watson’s rehab is coming along nicely. He could return to play a chunk of the Browns’ games next season.

Watson played seven games in 2024 but only succeeded in winning one game before tearing his Achilles. He completed 63% of his attempted passes for 1148 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 3 picks.

Watson suffered a re-rupture of his right Achilles tendon in January and underwent surgery. The Browns start their preseason journey by facing the Panthers, Eagles, and Rams before welcoming divisional rivals the Cincinnati Bengals on the opening week of the regular season.

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