Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns have agreed to a restructured contract, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Friday.
Deshaun Watson’s Restructured Contract
Here is the full story on #Browns QB Deshaun Watson’s contract adjustment, as he is set to be back in Cleveland next season: https://t.co/TDHWXYODKPhttps://t.co/TDHWXYODKP
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2024
Watson’s new deal allows the Browns more cap flexibility over the next two seasons. None of Watson’s guarantees have changed.
However, the Browns can better manage the contract once it expires at the end of the 2026 season. Cleveland can push the dead salary cap into 2030, with four void years under the restructured deal.
Watson still has two years remaining on his five-year, $230 million, fully guaranteed contract he signed before the 2022 season. The Browns still owe Watson $46 million each of the next two seasons.
Watson’s cap hit is $72.9 million in 2025 and 2026. If the Browns released Watson following this season as a pre-June 1 cut, it would have resulted in a record-breaking dead cap hit of $172 million.
What Will The Browns Do At QB In 2025?
The adjustment to Deshaun Watson’s contract doesn’t impact his ~$73M cap number in 2025 (which can happen later). It lets the #Browns spread the cap hit at the end of the contract, which expires after 2026 — a strong sign Watson will be in Cleveland two more years (at least). https://t.co/tq1wFX3Y5k
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 27, 2024
Does the restructured deal mean Watson will be the Browns quarterback in 2025?
Cleveland has not publicly backed Watson as their starter for next season. However, the reworked deal signals Watson will likely be on the roster in 2025.
The Browns will likely bring in another quarterback to compete with Watson. Jameis Winston and Dorian Thompson-Robinson are two quarterbacks who have predominantly taken snaps in Watson’s absence.
Watson is currently rehabbing a torn Achilles suffered in Week 7. The Browns were 1-6 with Watson as the starter. Furthermore, the 29-year-old had the lowest QBR of qualified passers in the NFL.
Watson’s 2024 campaign ended with 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Watson has a 9-10 record as the starter since being traded to the Browns.
The Browns (3-12) host the Miami Dolphins (7-8) on Dec. 29 at 1 p.m. ET.
