Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson sustained a right Achilles injury during a non-contact play in Sunday’s match against the Cincinnati Bengals. The severity of the injury and how long it will sideline Watson are currently uncertain, coinciding with heightened media scrutiny regarding the $230 million contract he signed in 2022.
The injury occurred while Watson was in possession of the ball, leading him to fall to the ground and eventually require assistance off the field.
The 29-year-old former Houston Texans star has faced challenges with the struggling Browns, who hold a 1-6 record in 2024. Watson’s performance has been lackluster, ranking last among statistically qualified quarterbacks for adjusted total QB ratings.
Watson’s season has also been marked by off-field controversies. Last month, a woman in Texas, referred to by the pseudonym Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit against him for sexual assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress related to an alleged incident from 2020. Watson recently settled the case out of court.
Although Watson’s contract details are not publicly accessible, reports indicate it includes clauses that might allow the Browns to terminate the agreement for off-field misconduct. However, the settlement with Jane Doe, which includes confidentiality provisions, complicates matters for the NFL, making it more challenging to gather evidence for any potential disciplinary actions against Watson or for the Browns to void his contract.
While specific contractual guarantees are not publicly known, it is generally understood that these guarantees remain valid if a player is kept on the roster or released due to injury. With advancements in medical treatments, many NFL players today recover from Achilles injuries, as seen with quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins, who returned to play after prolonged absences. It is likely that Watson’s guaranteed payments will continue as he undergoes recovery from his injury.
Guarantees may be at risk if a player decides to retire after being cleared medically, as recently noted in discussions surrounding Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and his recurring concussion issues.