Sources: Browns rework Watson contract to lower NFL-high cap hit
The Cleveland Browns are as soon as once more restructuring the contract of quarterback Deshaun Watsonleague sources confirmed to ESPN on Friday, a transfer that frees shut to $36 million in cap house and makes the crew cap compliant forward of the brand new league yr.
Watson, who didn’t play in 2025 as he rehabbed an Achilles tear from the 2024 season, was set to have an $80.7 million cap hit in 2026, the biggest within the NFL.
Watson, 30, is owed a totally assured $46 million wage in 2026; he initially signed a five-year deal price a totally assured $230 million deal upon being traded to Cleveland earlier than the 2022 season. Suspension and accidents have restricted Watson to 19 video games since he arrived in Cleveland. Since making his debut, Watson has posted a 33.1 Total QBR, which might be the bottom amongst certified passers.
He is predicted to compete for the Browns’ beginning quarterback job alongside Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and another additions this offseason.
“Anytime that you have a player that at one time has exhibited the skill set at an elite level,” first-year Browns coach Todd Monken stated of Watson, “I think you’re always going to give them the benefit of the doubt that somehow we might be able to get that out of him again, and I think that’s how you should look at every player.”
The Browns are additionally anticipated to restructure the contract of cornerback Denzel WardAccording to a supply, as Cleveland prepares to make a number of free agent signings to enhance its offense this offseason.
Cleveland.com first reported on the restructuring of Watson’s contract.
