Browns Get Troubling News on Polarizing QB Deshaun Watson

The Cleveland Browns can’t seem to shake the ongoing conundrum that is quarterback Deshaun Watson and the hold his health and contract have over the team’s present and future.

Watson is in the fourth year of his $230 million deal, which runs through 2026 and is fully guaranteed. The team has restructured the contract multiple times, which has pushed payments off into the future and means that Cleveland will take substantial financial hits involving Watson through 2029 — potentially three years after he’s off the team.

Watson is currently rehabilitating from a twice-torn Achilles tendon that he suffered in October of last year, an injury ESPN insider Adam Schefter updated via a report on the Monday edition of “The Pat McAfee Show.”

“He’s a good month away from being cleared for any football activity,” Schefter said, per Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.

Deshaun Watson’s Return May Cause Browns Real Financial Problems

GettyCleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.

The troubling portion of that update from the Browns‘ perspective isn’t that Watson is a full month away from getting back on the field, it’s that he’s only a month away from potentially returning to healthy status and throwing a huge wrench into the team’s finances yet again.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk laid out the situation on August 6.

If [Watson] can play, the Browns will have to move him to the 53-man roster or release him. That could prompt the Browns to disagree with Watson, even if it sets the stage for a formal grievance — with Watson saying he’s healthy enough to play and the Browns saying he’s not.

The stakes are high for the Browns. If they opt not to put him on the roster with their existing clusterfudge of quarterbacks, releasing him would set the stage for a devastating 2026 cap charge of $131.161 million. The best outcome for the Browns is to get Watson to want to spend the season on the PUP list.

If Watson remains on the PUP list for the entirety of the campaign, the league will afford the Browns significant salary cap relief. The organization will also be able to collect on the health insurance policy it took out on Watson, which will put actual money back into the franchise’s proverbial pocket.

Browns Set at QB With Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders and Bailey Zappe

GettyCleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

Cleveland doesn’t need Watson to play in 2025, even after trading Kenny Pickett before the regular season and Joe Flacco last week.

The Browns have promoted rookie Dillon Gabriel, who is 0-2 and will make the third start of his NFL career against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, October 19.

Fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders is now QB2, while fourth-year veteran Bailey Zappe is the third-string signal-caller/emergency quarterback on Sundays.

Cleveland may add a fourth QB to the practice squad after trying out Austin Reed, formerly of the Chicago Bears, late last week. But in any case, the Browns don’t need Watson.

As such, Watson getting healthy and pushing to rejoin the active roster is the last thing Cleveland wants.

Hailee Steinfeld Opens Up About Josh Allen's Struggles, Gaining Support From Bills Nation

In an emotional statement that has captured the attention of both fans and sports media alike, Hailee Steinfeld, wife of Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, has spoken out to explain the personal struggles her husband has been quietly facing ahead of the Bills' recent heartbreaking defeat.

The defeat, which left Bills fans devastated, came after a game in which Allen was uncharacteristically subdued on the field. Despite his typically strong leadership, Allen struggled to execute his usual brilliance in the game, leaving many to wonder what was behind his uncharacteristic performance. Hailee’s emotional plea has shed light on the matter and revealed that there is more to Josh Allen’s struggle than what was visible on the sidelines.

“Please try to understand my husband,” Steinfeld began, her voice filled with emotion, in a statement that has since been shared widely on social media. “Josh has been quietly battling something serious that has affected his ability to fully concentrate. This loss isn’t just about the game—it’s about something deeper, something that has been weighing on him for some time."

The revelation has sparked an outpouring of support for Allen from fans, teammates, and the sports community. Steinfeld’s words have brought a level of compassion and understanding to a situation that was previously left unexplained. While the details of Allen’s struggle remain private, Steinfeld’s candid explanation paints a picture of a man who, despite being at the center of the NFL spotlight, is still very much human—dealing with challenges beyond football.

The timing of Steinfeld’s message has had a profound effect, not only offering insight into Allen’s mindset but also reminding fans that athletes are often battling personal demons that can impact their performance. It’s a vulnerability that resonates deeply with fans who have stood behind Allen throughout his career.

"We all go through struggles, and it’s not always visible,” Steinfeld continued. “I just want people to understand that Josh is doing his best, and we’re all in this together.”

Bills fans, known for their passionate support, have rallied around Allen in the wake of this revelation, with many taking to social media to express their unwavering loyalty and compassion.

#BillsMafia, the beloved fan base, has extended their heartfelt messages, showing a deep understanding of the human side of their star quarterback.

Allen, who has been a leader for the Bills and one of the brightest quarterbacks in the NFL, now finds himself in a different spotlight—one of empathy and support. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how this personal struggle may continue to impact his play, but Steinfeld’s statement has certainly reminded fans of the importance of compassion and understanding in the world of sports.

As for the Bills, their playoff aspirations still stand, and with their franchise quarterback working through personal difficulties, it’s clear that this team’s resolve will be tested not just on the field, but in the hearts of their supporters as well.