Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has sustained a season-ending ruptured right Achilles during a non-contact play in Sunday’s match against the Cincinnati Bengals, as reported by ESPN. This injury comes amid significant media scrutiny over Watson’s $230 million contract signed in 2022.
The incident occurred while Watson was running with the ball; he fell to the ground and was subsequently taken off the field via cart.
Watson, 29, has faced challenges on the field this season with the struggling Browns, who currently hold a 1-6 record. His performance statistics rank him 31st—in last place—among quarterbacks with qualifying adjusted total QB ratings.
Off the field, Watson’s season has been turbulent as well. Recently, a woman using the pseudonym Jane Doe filed a lawsuit against him in Texas, alleging sexual assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress from an incident in 2020. Watson settled the case out of court a few weeks ago.
While Watson’s contract is private, Sports Illustrated has reported on its provisions, which may allow the Browns to terminate the deal for off-field misconduct. However, the confidentiality clause in the settlement with Jane Doe complicates matters, making it harder for the NFL—who suspended Watson for 11 games and fined him $5 million for conduct detrimental in 2021—to gather evidence for further action or for the Browns to void the contract.
Typically, contract guarantees remain intact as long as a player stays on the roster or is released due to injury. Given advancements in medical treatments, many NFL players can recover from Achilles injuries; for instance, Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins returned to play after similar injuries but missed considerable time. It is expected that Watson’s guaranteed payments will continue while he undergoes rehabilitation for his injury.
This story has been updated following the diagnosis of Watson’s injury.