Overview

• Watson will begin the 2025 season on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list and miss at least the first four games
• Under NFL rules, the Browns will have a five-week window to open his practice window once he’s medically cleared and then 21 days to activate him to the roster
• A league source said Watson could be ready to practice in October, which could set up a late-November or early-December roster decision
• The Browns hold an insurance policy on Watson’s fully guaranteed $230 million contract, which could trigger a dispute if they delay placing him on the active roster
• Cleveland’s 2025 quarterback competition features Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel in line for the Week 1 start