Browns restructuring Deshaun Watson's contract for cap space
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The Cleveland Browns are restructuring quarterback Deshaun Watson’s contract to create cap space ahead of the new league year starting next week.
- Watson’s 2026 cap charge was initially $80.72 million, but the restructure will free up $35.76 million in cap room for the Browns.
- Watson, recovering from a twice-torn Achilles, is expected to compete for the starting quarterback position in 2026, the final year of his fully guaranteed five-year contract.
- Despite multiple restructures, the Browns will continue to carry financial obligations for Watson beyond the 2026 season.
- Since joining Cleveland in 2022, Watson has played 19 games, with the team posting a 9-10 record in those contests.
