Overview

• Adam Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show that Deshaun Watson is "a good month" from being cleared for any football activity.
• The Browns have not opened Watson’s practice window from the PUP list, and NFL rules require a nine-week window to open it and then 21 days to place him on the 53-man roster.
• Cleveland is 1-5 and is starting rookie Dillon Gabriel with Shedeur Sanders as the backup and Bailey Zappe as the third quarterback.
• Watson’s fully guaranteed $230 million contract runs through 2026 and multiple restructures could leave significant cap charges extending into 2029, with potential cap relief if he stays on PUP all season.
• Analysts note that if Watson is deemed able to play, the team would face a choice to roster him or release him, a scenario that could prompt a grievance over his playing status.