Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson sustained a right Achilles injury during a non-contact play in the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The severity of the injury and its impact on his timeframe for returning to the field remain unclear. This injury comes at a time when there is heightened media scrutiny surrounding Watson’s $230 million contract signed in 2022.
The injury occurred while Watson was in possession of the ball, and he subsequently fell to the ground before being carted off the field.
Watson, 29, has faced challenges this season with the struggling Browns, who currently hold a 1-6 record in 2024. He is ranked last among statistically qualified quarterbacks in adjusted total QB ratings.
Off the field, Watson’s season has been equally tumultuous. Last month, a woman using the pseudonym Jane Doe filed a lawsuit against him in Texas, alleging sexual assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress related to an incident from 2020. Recently, Watson reached an out-of-court settlement with the accuser.
Although Watson’s employment contract is private, Sports Illustrated reported on its contents, revealing that it includes clauses that could allow the Browns to terminate the contract for off-field misconduct. However, the confidentiality of the settlement in the Jane Doe case may complicate the NFL’s ability to gather necessary evidence to impose further punishment on Watson or for the Browns to seek to void the contract.
In general, contractual guarantees for players typically remain intact if they stay on the roster or are injured during their tenure. With advances in medical treatments, many NFL players have been able to recover from Achilles injuries. Notably, Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins are among quarterbacks who have returned from similar injuries, though they missed considerable playing time. Watson is expected to retain his contract guarantees while he undergoes recovery for his Achilles injury.
Moreover, as discussed by Sportico in the context of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s recent concussion, player guarantees can be at risk if they retire after being medically cleared to play.