Deshaun Watson Remains on Physically Unable to Perform List for 2025 Season

The Cleveland Browns have confirmed that quarterback Deshaun Watson will not be activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list for the remainder of the 2025 NFL season. Coach Kevin Stefanski announced this decision on December 23, 2025, indicating that Watson, who suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in October 2024 and underwent a second surgery in January 2025, will continue his recovery without participating in games. The deadline to activate Watson from the PUP list coincided with the closure of his practice window, which opened on December 3, 2025.

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Watson's time with the Browns has been marred by injuries and controversies. He began his tenure with an 11-game suspension in 2022 due to allegations of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct involving over two dozen women. Following his suspension, Watson missed the final eight games of the 2023 season due to shoulder surgery and subsequently tore his Achilles in a Week 7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024. Since joining the Browns, Watson has played only 19 games, leading to significant scrutiny regarding the team's investment in him.

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Watson's contract, a fully guaranteed five-year deal worth $230 million, remains a point of contention for the Browns. He is owed $46 million in salary for the 2026 season, with a cap hit of $80.7 million, the highest in the NFL. If the Browns were to release Watson, they would face an unprecedented dead cap charge of $131 million, which would be the largest in NFL history. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has publicly acknowledged the trade for Watson as a "big swing-and-miss," reflecting the organization's struggles with the quarterback position.

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With Watson sidelined, rookie Shedeur Sanders has taken over as the starting quarterback for the Browns, having started the last five games of the season. The team currently holds a 3-12 record and has the third-highest chance (24.2%) of securing the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Browns' quarterback situation has seen significant changes, including trades and signings, as they attempt to navigate the challenges posed by Watson's injuries and absence.

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Coach Stefanski expressed pride in Watson's progress during rehabilitation, stating, "He's done a great job with everything that's been asked of him." However, the decision to keep Watson on the PUP list reflects a cautious approach to his recovery, prioritizing his long-term health over immediate participation.

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Critics of the Browns' decision to trade for Watson have pointed to the limited returns on their investment, with Watson's performance metrics falling below expectations. The ongoing challenges with his health and the surrounding controversies have led to calls for accountability from the team's leadership.

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Looking ahead, the Browns will continue to evaluate their quarterback situation as they prepare for the 2026 season. Watson's future with the team remains uncertain, and the organization faces critical decisions regarding his contract and overall roster strategy.

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