The Cleveland Browns have restructured quarterback Deshaun Watson’s contract again to create salary-cap space and provide more flexibility for the future, a source familiar with the move told The Associated Press on Friday.
Watson has played just 19 games in three seasons due to an NFL suspension and injuries. The Browns signed him to a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract in 2022.
The restructuring allows the team to spread out the salary-cap hit after the 2026 season, according to the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team does not disclose contract details.
The 29-year-old Watson has two years left on his contract, with an average of $46 million per year, and a salary-cap hit of $72.9 million in those years. The new change adds a voidable year for 2028, giving the Browns more cap flexibility after 2026, which is the final year of Watson’s deal.
The restructuring will not stop the Browns from adding a quarterback in 2025, the source said. Watson played in only seven games this season before suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon. He has a 9-10 record as the starter with the Browns.
The Browns (3-12) have had a disappointing season after making it to the playoffs last year with Joe Flacco, who was signed as a free agent after Watson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.
Watson had surgery in October and is expected to make a full recovery. While the team has not announced its plans for quarterback, it is assumed Watson will be in the mix to start next season.
It’s also possible the Browns will draft a quarterback in the first round. The team has not had a first-round pick in the past three years after trading three to the Houston Texans to acquire Watson, who was once considered one of the league’s top QBs.
Watson’s time in Cleveland has been disappointing, as he has not thrown for 300 yards in any game. This has been a major concern for fans who hoped the team had finally solved its quarterback issues when they signed the three-time Pro Bowler three years ago.
However, things have not worked out as expected. The large investment in Watson and the salary-cap impact of his contract—the biggest fully guaranteed deal in NFL history—have made it difficult for the Browns to improve their roster.
While Watson has shown some ability to be a starting quarterback, there have been many moments when he has looked unsure in the pocket or unable to connect with his receivers.
Watson was suspended for the first 11 games of his first season with the Browns after an independent arbiter ruled he violated the conduct policy, following accusations from more than two dozen women of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions.
Since undergoing surgery, Watson has been rehabbing his Achilles injury and has not spoken to reporters for months. On Thursday, he posted a picture on Instagram of himself standing without a walking boot, with the caption: “Back on My Feet! MOREGLORY!”
Last week, Browns defensive star Myles Garrett caused some attention by saying he did not want to be part of a rebuild in Cleveland. Garrett also made it clear he wanted to know the team’s plans for the offseason, including what the Browns intended to do at quarterback.
On Friday, Garrett said he had “a few” talks with the team’s front office following his surprising comments. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year did not reveal details of the discussions.
“They just wanted to see where my head was at and what I was thinking and just trying to keep things in house, in house,” said Garrett, who will turn 29 on Sunday.
Garrett was asked if he received a positive response from his teammates.
“They want to know what’s coming next as well,” he said. “So I haven’t really heard too many people speak up on whether they liked my comments or not. Everyone’s kind of feeling the same way. But I’m not going to assume and I’ll have my answer at the end of the year.”
