Browns GM has lukewarm response on Deshaun Watson's future

Field Level Media|published: Wed 6th November, 14:32 2024

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, center, poses for a portrait with general manager Andrew Berry, left, and head coach Kevin Stefanski during Watson's introductory press conference at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility on Friday. Watsonpress 11 Syndication Akron Beacon Journal

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry was noncommittal Wednesday when asked about quarterback Deshaun Watson's future with the franchise.

When asked if Watson -- who sustained a season-ending Achilles tear on Oct. 20 -- will suit up for the team again, Berry said: "That's always possible."

That's not exactly a verbal embrace for Watson, who has put up less-than-stellar numbers since signing his five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract.

The earliest the Browns can release him without losing salary cap space is following the 2025 season. That said, Berry wasn't interested in going down that road just yet.

"Really our focus with Deshaun, I would say for any player with a season-ending injury and a major injury, is first and foremost to make sure that he gets healthy from the Achilles injury," Berry said. "Everything else, we'll deal with at a later moment."

Berry also wasn't interested in expressing regret with the Browns acquiring Watson back in 2022.

"I'd say this, like we've always said, all of us were on board," Berry said. "Everyone's on board, and obviously with a big commitment in that regard, that's always going to be the case."

Watson saw his season come to an end on a non-contact play in Cleveland's 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Watson, 29, was suspended for 11 games in 2022 after more than 20 women claimed he sexually assaulted them and behaved inappropriately while getting massages. Two grand juries in Texas did not end up charging him criminally, but a settlement reached by the NFL and NFL Players Association in his disciplinary matter led to the hefty suspension.

Before returning to the field, Watson had to pay a $5 million fine and go through a treatment program that was recommended by behavioral experts.

Watson completed 63.4 percent of his passes for 1,148 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions in seven games this season. The Browns went 1-6 during that stretch and are 2-7 while in the midst of their bye week.

--Field Level Media