Deshaun Watson, Browns Agree to Restructure QB's Lucrative Contract

This move hints at Cleveland's plans under center next year and beyond.

Watson registered a 79.0 passer rating in seven games this season. / Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Browns have reportedly adjusted quarterback Deshaun Watson's fully guaranteed contract.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Friday, citing sources, that the Browns agreed to terms with Watson to ease their looming salary cap issues. According to Tom Pelissero, the adjustment to Watson's contract doesn't impact his $73 million salary cap hit for the 2025 campaign, but it does allow Cleveland to spread the cap hit at the end of his contract.

This move also signals that Watson will likely be on the Browns' roster next season—and potentially 2026 as well.

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

Per Pelissero, the new deal allows the Browns to spread the dead cap hit over two years instead of taking it all in 2027 if Watson remains in Cleveland through 2026.

Watson is currently set to hit free agency after the 2026 season. He has two years remaining on the fully guaranteed five-year contract worth $230 million that he signed with the Browns in 2022, and he is set to take up $72.9 million against the salary cap in each of the next two years.

Watson is in the midst of recovery after tearing his Achilles in Week 7. In seven games this season, Watson led the Browns to just one win and registered a 79.0 passer rating while throwing five touchdowns and three interceptions.

The Browns have turned to backup quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Dorian Thompson-Robinson in Watson's absence. Winston is set to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, while Thompson-Robinson is signed through the 2026 campaign.

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