The Cleveland Browns have agreed to a contract restructure with quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is expected to return to the team in 2025 despite his on-field struggles and recent season-ending injuries. The move adds two void years to Watson’s existing deal, pushing out his dead salary cap into 2030.
Watson, 29, has been sidelined since late October with a right Achilles tendon tear. He has struggled this season, posting the lowest total QBR of qualifying passers in the NFL. The Browns have been noncommittal on Watson’s standing as the starting quarterback when healthy, with General Manager Andrew Berry saying it’s “possible” for him to return.
The restructured contract allows the Browns to avoid a league-record dead cap hit of $172 million if they release Watson after the season. Instead, they will create more cap space, which they can use to become compliant in the 2025 offseason. The team has already restructured Watson’s deal before the season, creating $44.79 million in cap space.
Watson’s new contract features two years remaining, with a cap hit of $72.9 million in 2025 and 2026. He is still under contract for the next two years and will become a free agent in 2027. The Browns host the Miami Dolphins in their home finale on Sunday.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43185016/source-browns-deshaun-watson-agree-restructure-contract