The re-injury of quarterback Deshaun Watson’s Achilles tendon could give the Cleveland Browns an opportunity to escape the remaining $92 million owed to him under his fully guaranteed contract. The critical question is whether Watson violated the terms of his agreement at the time of the injury. His contract explicitly voids guarantees if injuries occur during prohibited activities like skydiving, motorcycling, or other high-risk actions. Additionally, failure to comply with team-specified rehab protocols could provide further grounds for challenging the guarantees.
According to the Browns, Watson rolled his ankle in Miami, but details about how the injury occurred remain unclear. If he was engaging in any of the contractually prohibited activities at the time, the team could seek to void his guarantees. Furthermore, recent social media images show Watson without a walking boot, raising questions about whether he was following the required rehab procedures. If the rehab plan mandated the boot and Watson neglected this, it could offer the Browns another argument to contest the remaining financial commitments.
The Browns must first investigate the circumstances surrounding Watson’s injury to determine if any violations occurred. They could examine whether he was involved in prohibited activities or disregarded team instructions during his rehab. Given the significant financial stakes and the lackluster results of Watson’s tenure so far, the team has substantial motivation to pursue potential relief from the deal. Paul DePodesta, the Browns’ chief strategy officer, may play a pivotal role in determining their approach to this challenge.
If the Browns move to void Watson’s guarantees, a legal dispute is almost certain. This could lead to a prolonged battle or a potential settlement in which Watson agrees to reduced guarantees or a restructured salary. Watson would need to weigh the risks of losing a grievance entirely against accepting less money. Such a settlement could provide the Browns with some financial relief while resolving the issue without further escalation.
The team’s public acknowledgment that Watson rolled his ankle in Miami suggests they are carefully considering their options. If evidence emerges of contract violations, the Browns might find a way to exit what has been widely criticized as one of the worst contracts in NFL history. The outcome will depend on the findings of their investigation and Watson’s willingness to negotiate a resolution, potentially leading to a costly and contentious conclusion.