Browns Announce Deshaun Watson Is In Concussion Protocol

Watson took a hard hit in Sunday’s loss to the Steelers and was flagged for an evaluation. However, the league’s independent doctor cleared him to return. 

The Browns say Watson reported symptoms this week and has been summarily placed in the protocol. Given the timing, it’s unlikely he’ll clear in time for this week’s game against the Saints, meaning backup QB Shedeur Sanders will get the start. 

Watson, 31, was taken in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft out of Clemson by the Texans. He signed a four-year, $13.854 million rookie deal with the Texans that included a fifth-year option of around $17.3 million for the 2021 season.

The Texans later signed Watson to a four-year extension worth as much as $177 million heading into the 2020 season, paying him $39 million a year. However, Watson requested a trade after the season, then sat out the entire 2021 season while navigating more than two dozen lawsuits for sexual misconduct. He was later suspended for 11 games. 

Watson was traded to the Browns for significant draft compensation in 2022 and signed a five-year, $230 million, fully guaranteed contract as part of the trade. The deal runs through 2026 and includes base salaries of $46 million in each of the final two seasons. 

In 2026, Watson has started eight games for the Browns and completed 65.6 percent of his pass attempts for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions. He’s also rushed 51 times for 217 yards and another touchdown.