Browns Rework Deshaun Watson’s Contract for More Cap Space

The Cleveland Browns have made a significant financial move by restructuring quarterback Deshaun Watson’s contract, according to a league source. This adjustment has resulted in creating $35.832 million in salary cap space for the team.

The Browns converted $44.79 million of Watson’s $46 million base salary for 2024 into a signing bonus, which boosts their total cap space to over $62 million, giving them the highest amount in the NFL.

This newfound cap space will likely be rolled over, providing financial flexibility for the 2025 offseason. Currently, the team is projected to be $44 million over the cap for that year, which could complicate their financial situation. Several key players, including wide receivers Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore, running back Nick Chubb, and left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr., are set to become free agents during the next offseason.

In recent years, Cleveland has actively restructured contracts for their higher-paid players to maintain flexibility in the short term. This is the second time Watson’s contract has been modified since he signed an unprecedented fully guaranteed deal worth $230 million following his trade from the Houston Texans in March 2022.

Before the 2023 free agency period, the Browns cleared approximately $36 million in cap space through a previous restructure of Watson’s contract, which included adding a void year. General manager Andrew Berry has described the Watson trade as a long-term commitment extending beyond the duration of his initial contract.

While the current restructure does not add years to Watson’s contract, it deepens the team’s commitment to the 28-year-old quarterback. If the Browns were to move on from Watson before his deal expires, they would face substantial dead cap hits of $172 million in 2025 and $99 million in 2026. Moreover, his cap hits will reach $72.9 million for both the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

The trade that brought Watson to Cleveland was significant, involving three first-round draft picks sent to Houston. Since joining the Browns, Watson has only participated in 12 games due to injuries and a suspension during the 2022 season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, which stemmed from allegations of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior during massage appointments.

Watson had a standout track record with the Texans, earning three Pro Bowl selections during his first four seasons. However, his performance has taken a hit since joining the Browns, with a QBR of 41.9—placing him as the sixth-worst quarterback in the league during that period.

During the offseason, Watson focused on rehabilitation from season-ending shoulder surgery he underwent in November. He participated in every other workout throughout the offseason program and attended nearly all training camp practices, missing just one. Despite not playing during the preseason, he has been addressing arm soreness but is anticipated to be ready for the Browns’ season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on September 8.