Deshaun Watson is officially set to start the season opener this Sunday, but let’s be real: for him, nothing is guaranteed beyond that single game. He’s heading into the final year of a massive deal, and after an insane run of injuries and suspensions, this dude has a whole lot to prove if he wants to stay in the league. This isn’t just about winning; it’s about his entire future.
The Brutal Road Back
Picture this: Watson hasn’t stepped on an NFL field since way back on October 7, 2024. That’s when he initially tore his right Achilles. Then, as if that wasn’t brutal enough, he ripped it *again*, requiring another surgery in January 2025, forcing him to miss all of the 2025 season. Think about that for a second. The man, now 30 years old, has only suited up for 19 games over the last five seasons because of his suspension and those two devastating Achilles tears. That’s an absolutely brutal stat for any player, especially one who was once considered among the elite. It makes you wonder how much rust is going to be there, and if his body can even hold up to the grind.
Last Shot on a $230 Million Deal
This isn’t just about getting back on the field; it’s about his entire NFL career. Watson’s fully guaranteed, five-year, $230 million contract, which he signed back in March 2022 after that blockbuster trade from Houston, is officially up after *this* season. Let that sink in: $230 million, and he’s barely played. So yeah, the pressure on him is cranked all the way up, maybe higher than any player in the league right now. Watson himself knows exactly what’s on the line. He told Talia Naquin of Fox 8, “Me being in my last year of my deal, and being year 10, I feel like this is my opportunity to get up there and go and showcase that I can still play in this league. And I want to continue to play in this league. So, this is my opportunity to do that.” He’s laser-focused on the immediate future, saying, “I can’t focus on the future. I’ve got to focus on now. All I can do is control these moments now, these opportunities I have now.” That’s the mindset you want to hear from your QB, but controlling “now” after so much time off, with so much history, is easier said than done. Every single snap this Sunday, and every game after, is a personal referendum.
What’s Next for Watson
So, when Watson takes the field this Sunday, it’s not just another game on the schedule for him. It’s his one true chance, maybe his *last* real chance, to prove he still belongs as an NFL starter. Every throw, every scramble, every single snap will be under the microscope, with that expiring contract looming huge. Can he really get back to an elite form after nearly two years off, especially after two Achilles tears? Can he stay healthy for an entire season? We’re all watching to see if he can truly deliver on this “opportunity” and secure his future in the league. This Sunday kicks off what could be the most important season of his career.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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