Deshaun Watson’s contract details: Salary and years left with the Cleveland Browns

In February, Cleveland Browns General Manager Andrew Berry stated that restructuring Deshaun Watson’s expensive contract was not a priority. Watson was locked into a fully guaranteed $46 million salary each year. Nevertheless, the Browns surprised some by restructuring Watson’s deal, reducing his 2024 salary to the league minimum. The remaining salary was converted into a bonus spread across future years, creating $36.8 million in cap space for the current season.

While this immediate relief is significant, the long-term consequences are concerning. Watson’s cap number for 2025 will skyrocket to a staggering $72.9 million. The exact hefty figure also applies to the final year of his contract in 2026. Furthermore, if the Browns choose to part ways with Watson before his contract ends, they will face a daunting $38 million dead cap charge in 2027, further complicating their financial situation.

This move has raised questions about the Browns’ strategic planning. Although the $36.8 million cap space provides flexibility for potential in-season acquisitions, it’s unclear how the team plans to handle the massive cap hit looming over the next few years. Currently, Cleveland is projected to be $44 million over the cap for 2025, adding to their financial strain.

Incosticency and injuries throwing shade on Watson’s performance

The uncertainty surrounding Watson’s health, particularly his shoulder, only strengthens concerns. Since joining the Browns, Watson has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency. He has played only 12 games since his last standout season in 2020, where he threw for over 4,800 yards and was considered an MVP contender. If his performance doesn’t improve, Cleveland could be tied to a quarterback who may not deliver the value expected from his record-breaking contract.

Should Watson’s performance falter, the Browns are stuck with limited options. Trading him would be nearly impossible, as no team would likely take on his massive contract. The Browns might have to resort to a move similar to the infamous Brock Osweiler trade, where a draft pick must be packaged to unload Watson’s guaranteed money. Another potential scenario mirrors the Denver Broncos’ handling of Russell Wilson’s contract, where they’d have to pay a significant portion of Watson’s salary even if he’s off the team.

Many analysts now view the Watson trade as one of the worst in recent NFL history. Not only did Cleveland give up three first-round picks and additional draft capital, but the fully guaranteed contract has left the franchise financially strapped. Ironically, despite this, the Browns remain a strong team, making their decision even more perplexing. How much better would they be without this heavy financial burden?

Adding insult to injury, the Texans—Watson’s former team—have rapidly rebuilt using the draft picks acquired from Cleveland. Houston is now seen as a rising contender, adding salt to the wounds of a Browns team that overpaid for a quarterback who has yet to justify the investment.