The Cleveland Browns and quarterback Deshaun Watson have agreed to a significant contract restructure, a source confirmed to ESPN on Friday. This move suggests that Watson will remain with the Browns for the 2025 season despite a series of challenges, including inconsistent performance on the field and two consecutive season-ending injuries.
Details of the Restructure
Watson initially signed a historic five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million deal upon being traded to Cleveland before the 2022 season. Under the original terms, the Browns owed Watson $46 million annually over the next two seasons, with an eye-popping $72.9 million cap hit for 2025 and 2026—ranking as the second-highest in the league.
The restructured agreement adds two additional void years to the deal, extending his dead salary cap allocation into 2030, according to sources. Previously, the contract had two void years (2027 and 2028), but now features four void years in total. Despite these changes, Watson remains under contract for the next two seasons and is slated to hit free agency in 2027.
Had the Browns opted to release Watson this offseason with a pre-June 1 designation, the decision would have resulted in an unprecedented $172 million dead cap hit—a record-setting figure in NFL history.
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Watson’s Performance and Struggles
Watson, 29, has faced mounting scrutiny for his limited availability and inconsistent play since joining the Browns. He has played in just 19 games since Cleveland traded three first-round picks to acquire him and handed him what was, at the time, an NFL-record guaranteed contract.
In his most recent season, Watson appeared in seven games before suffering a season-ending Achilles tendon tear in late October. During those games, he posted the lowest Total QBR among qualifying NFL quarterbacks. Injuries have plagued his tenure in Cleveland—Watson missed the final eight games of the 2023 season due to shoulder surgery after appearing in only six games that year.
Adding to the tumult, Watson served an 11-game suspension in 2022 after over two dozen women accused him of sexual misconduct during massage sessions. These off-field issues, combined with his injuries and performance struggles, have put the Browns in a difficult position regarding their high-profile investment.
Browns’ Long-Term Strategy
The Browns’ decision to restructure Watson’s deal for a second time highlights their commitment to managing the financial implications of his contract while preparing for the future. The restructure, which reportedly creates $44.79 million in cap space, will allow the team to maintain cap compliance for the 2025 offseason.
Despite the financial flexibility, questions remain about Watson’s future as Cleveland’s franchise quarterback. General Manager Andrew Berry acknowledged earlier this month that Watson’s return as the starter is not guaranteed, and team owner Jimmy Haslam expressed support for Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski but avoided making definitive statements about Watson’s role moving forward.
Outlook for the Browns
Currently sitting at 3-12, the Browns are preparing for their home finale against the Miami Dolphins this Sunday. The organization is likely to face tough decisions in the offseason, as they evaluate Watson’s performance, health, and long-term fit with the team.
The Browns’ restructuring efforts underscore their commitment to navigating a challenging situation, but the gamble on Watson remains one of the most polarizing moves in NFL history. How the franchise proceeds from here will undoubtedly shape its future for years to come.
