Browns make final decision on Deshaun Watson for 2025 season

It was theorized throughout the season that the Cleveland Browns would potentially activate veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson off the Physically Unable to Perform list and allow him to start the team's final few games down the stretch of the 2025 season.

After all, he is under contract in Cleveland for 2026 and will presumably be 100% healthy by training camp. He could be a legitimate starting option in Cleveland heading into next season.

Instead, head coach Kevin Stefanski announced today that the Browns are shutting Watson down, and he will not be activated in time for a late-season debut.

Browns shut down Deshaun Watson for the remainder of 2025

Head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters today about the team's decision.

"#Browns coach Kevin Stefanski confirms that QB Deshaun Watson will not be activated and that his season is over," wrote NFL Network's Ian Rapoport in a post on X.

Since acquiring Watson in a trade with the Houston Texans, the Browns have not seen their massive investment pay off.

Of 68 possible games, the former Clemson Tiger has only appeared in 19, completing 61.2% of his passes for 3,365 yards to go along with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

It's safe to say he hasn't lived up to the three first-round picks and two third-round picks the Browns gave up to get him.

But it's starting to seem like Cleveland will be allowing Watson the opportunity to win the starting job ahead of the 2026 season, with his only competition being Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and a potential rookie quarterback with the Browns' likely top-five pick.

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